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I SECOND COPY 



WHEN BUCKINGHA.M: MET THE QUEEN. 1 I 



;a- 



PERSONS. 



I Zom's XIII .......L King of France 

I Anne of Austria , His wife 

I Marie de Medici- The Mother of the King 

I Countess of Lannoi \^an old iady'\ lady of honor to the queen 

] Bellario -The equerry to the queen 

I Madame de Varney^ Lady-in-waiting to the queen 

I Bona Estefania^ a Spanish lady in confidence of the queen 

[Duchesse de Chevreuse a lady of the queen^s court 

I Marie de Rohan^ the lively and witty favorite of the queen 

i Henrietta- The King's Sister 

General Disquemare — in love with Henrietta 

Dodord- The king's chancellor 

The Duke of Burkingham — in love with the queen 

Lord Holland Buckingham's friead 

The Earl of Carlisle of the English Embassy 

Captain Lennox Captain of the English Guards 

The Duke de Chevreuse.. Proxy for Charles I 

Cardinal Richelieu The King's Secretary 

Duke de Belrgade a friend of the king 

The Earl of Kingston a typical English duke. 

Time 1625. 

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1901, by Frank S. Heffernan, in 
the office of the Librarian o( Congress, at Washington, D, C. 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 



Act L 

^VY.^^\.— The apartments of Lord Holland. Furniture a?id 
costume of seventeenth century. Lord Hot/and discovered. 

Hoi [ Dressing before a large mirror. LLis servant fixing a?id 
brushing his clothes. Knocking at the door. Indignantly.'] See 



who is disturbing us. Come! | 

Enter a liveried servant, R. ® 

Ser. \_Bo7i>ing lo7v,] Captain Lennox desires an inter- | 

view with your lordship. ^ 

Hoi. Admit him. 1 

Ente? Captain Lennox, R. ^ 

Len. Your lordship will pardon me and grant me in- § 

dulgence for coming at a time when above all other times ® 

you are most busy. § 

Hoi. [^Placing the hair brush on the dresser.] Be seated, @ 

Captain Lennox, [ The servant assisting to put on Lord Hoi-, © 

land'?> vest, then his coat. ] What can I do for you, my wor- ^ 

thy Captain? % 

Len. Nothing for me, your lordship. I ask nothing i 

\ioY myself g 

) Hoi. Well, then, why do you call at this particular ® 

? time, when you have been made aware that the Duke de g 

j Chevreuse has asked me to escort the Duchess de Chev- § 

\ reuse to a ball this evening. § 

\ Len. It is of the Duke of Buckingham that I wish to ® 

\ speak. 1 

I Hoi. \_Surprised.'\ Buckingham! \_Stopping the adjust- 1 

3 ment of his collar, turning his head toward Lennox, in a strong ^ 

\voice repeats.] Buckingham! And a ^aptain of the i 

\ guards comes when I have not a moment to spare, to talk § 

Dofhis majesty's minister! What unheard of presump- © 

gtion! i 



e WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 1 



PERSONS. 



j LdiisX/II -King of France 

) Anne of Austria His wife 

j Marie lie Medici The Mother of the King 

I Counters of Lenn>x [<?// old /ady\ lady of honor to the queen 

) Bellario -The equerry to the queen 

j Madame de Varney Lady-in-waiting to the queen 

I Dona Este/ar.ia, a Spanish lady in confidence of the queen \ 

) Diichesse de Chtvreiise a lady of the queen's court \ 

\ Marie de Rohan, the lively and witty favorite of the queen \ 

I Henrietta The Kiug^s Sister \ 

\ General Disgueniare _ _iu love with Henrietta I 

) D uiord The king's chancellor \ 

j l^ie Di/ke of Buckingham : .... in love with the^ queen \ 

j* Lord Holland. -Buckingham's friend \ 

3 The Earl of Carlisle of the English Embassy \ 

3 Captain Lennox Captain of the English Guards \ 

\ The Duke de Chevreuse Proxy for Charles I \ 

3 Cardinal Richelieu ... The King's Secretary ^ 

3 Duke de Belgrade a friend of the king \ 

\ The Earl of Kingston a tj^pical English duke :^ 

\ Time 1625. \ 

) Entered according to Act of Congress, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at ^ 

r Washington, D. C. 5 



I 2. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

I Act I. I 

^ Scene I. — The Apartments of Lord KollanL Furniture and 

^ costmne of Seventeenth century. Lord Holland discover ed^ 

^ ILoI. \^Bressing before hi> Qc vinror. His servant fixing and 

8 brushing his clothes. Knocking at the door. Lndignant/y.^ See 

g who is disturbing us. Come! 

g Efiter a livened servant. R. 

§ Se/. [Boiving low.'] Captain Lennox desires an inter- 

W view with ynnr lordship. 

8 Hot. Admit him. 

g Enter Captain Linncx, R. 

i hen. Your lordship will ]>ardon me and grant me in- 

§ dulgence for coming at a time when above all other times 

§ you are most busy. 

g HoL [^Placing the hair brush en the dresser.] Be seated, 

I Captain Lennox. [ The servant assisting to put on Lord Hol- 

© land's vest., then his coat.] What can I do for you, my wor- 

g thy Captain! 

% Len. Nothing for me, your lordship. I ask nothing 

® for myself. 

8 Hoi. Well, then, why do you call at this particular 

m time, when you have been made aware that the Duke de 

1 Chevreuse has asked me to escort the Duchess de Chev- 

% reuse to a ball this evening. 

1 Len. It is of the Duke of Buckingham that I wish to 

© speak. 

g Hoi. \_Surpriscd.] Buckingham! [^Stopping the adj'ust- 

@ meut of his collar, turning his head toward Lennox^ in a strong 

\ voice repeat^. \ Buckingham! And a captain of the 

I guards comes when I have not a moment to spare, to talk 

i of his majesty's minister! What unheard of presump. 

1 tion! 

®©©®@®©®@©©®©©©®©|g©i 



© 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 3. | 

g Len, Presumption! Your lordship, kindly do me the | 

justice to bear me indulgence. I am a loyal subject of % 

the crown, and if I can save our country from disgrace t 

and shame, I will do so. What I have to say to you, my \ 

lord, must be heard by yourself alone. I 

Hoi Leave us, Bernando, but remain in the adjoining | 

room. I will call you presently. i 

\^Exit Servant. \ 

We are alone. Speak quickly, for 1 fear I shall be § 

late. \_Hurriedly aitjusting the ruffles of his shirt sleeves.^ \ 

Len. My Lord, I overheard the Duke of Buckingham \ 

giving orders which if executed, will disgrace England; \ 

if not, cause us to be all killed while here in Prance. \ 

HoL How dare you, a Captain, make charges against | 

England's minister! You forget your place. I 

Len. True, my lord, but this is an exception. | 

HoL S^Aiifustin^ his collar^ raises his coat to fit his coat to i 

his neck] If you have anything to relate, do so at once, | 

as I shall be compelled to call ray servant to buckle my i 

shoes e 

Len. Your lordship is not unacquainted with the fact, 1 

that the Duke of Buckingham is in love with Anne of I 

Austria. e 

H^^. \_SurpriseiL'\ I am perfectly aware of it, although § 

I am astonished it should be known to you! [^Stopping to \ 

look at Lennox^ \ 

Len Your lordship will grant me the privilege \ 

Hoi. [Inilignantly.] No, I will not, nor will I permit \ 

P you to say one word against his Grace. Do you realize, \ 

1 sir, that you are making known to me that which does \ 

g not concern you? \ 

i Len. True, my lord. But let me ask you, my lord, \ 

i for your sake, and for the honor of our country, and the \ 

§ safety of our lives, to grant me the privilege. \ 

S Hoi. Man, you are mad, thus to speak to me! \ 



I 4. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. [ 

I Len. Excuse me, ray lord; but I implore you to let me \ 
) tell you! \ 

) HoL Captain Lennox, leave this room, or I will have \ 
\ you placed under arrest. i 

I Len. I humbly ask your lordship's pardon, \^trgfnbltng 
' voice^^ but I must tell what I knov<^ to some one who can 
I talk to his Grace, as I dare not! 

Kol. Bernando! \^Servant enters,^ Go tell the Earl of 
Carlisle that I would be pleased to see him. 

\^Exit Servant. 
Hoi. [Looking 'it his watch. ^ I have but three minutes 
to meet the Duchess in the parlors. 

■ Enter Earl of Carlisle. K. 
Earl. I am at your lordship's command. 
Hoi. [^Startirti^ toward the door.'] Captain Lennox de- 
sires to communicate a matter that I have no time to hear. 
Grant him some indulgence and excuse me. 

[i5':r// Holland. 

Eafl. Well, Captain? 

Len. Your Excellency, it is not for me to tell you, 
much less his Grace, the danger that we are in. 

Earl. Danger! [^Excitedly.] We are here as the 
special guests of his Majesty Louis, to safely take his 
sister Henrietta, after her marriage by proxy, to Charles. 
What more security could we ask than the friendship of 
France's king? Fear nothing. It is not characteristic of 
an English soldier to be a cov/ard. 

Len. [Quickly stepping forward.] A coward! did you 
say? Does your Excellency accuse me? Though I am 
butja humble English soldier, no one — 

Earl. Pardon me. Captain; I did not accuse you. I 
was only telling you — 



I WHE:N^ BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 5. 

§ Len. Your Excellency will grant me a word. Ton 

© must also accord to the French soldiers bravery and gal- 

I lantry. If, when returning to England with Henrietta, 

a Frenchman should dare to attempt to approach her, 
© with the sole purpose of making love, it would be my 
© duty to kill him at once, would it ii(5t? 

§ Earl. Correct, Lennox. {^Stepping to him^ a?id patting his 
© shoulder.^ Yes, you are correct, my brave fellow; you 
g should kill him 
§ Len. Immediately! 

§ Earl. Well what do you mean {^stepping back and folding 
his armsj about our danger? 

Len. What would you think of an Englishman, one 
of Buckingham's suite, one that was sent by Charles — 
[excitedly ^^ 

EiirU <'alm yourself, Lennox; something must be 
wrong, as 1 never before saw you in this condition of 
mind. Do you want to tell me that one of Charle's em- 
bassadors has failed to properly deport himself? 

Len. It is more serious than that, yottr Excellency! 
one of Charle's emissaries has committed an offense 
against the crown of France! 

Earl. Heavens! Who is the transgressor? [His hands 
drop, as his fingers clinch. ] Who is the man, or the wretch, 
who dares offend France, and disgrace the fair name of 

1 England? What is the offense? Who, I ask? 
§ Len. Buckingham! 

© Earl. It is fa — 

I Len. Your Excellency! [Placing his hand on the hilt of 

i his sword. '\ I am but a soldier here, but do not finish 

© that word! 

@ Earl. Tell me what Buckingham has done? 



6. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

Len. Not done! but what he is trying to do, through 
the machinations of bribery and undue influences, brought 
to bear upon the servants and ladies of Louis' court. 

Earl. What will you have me to believe of the Duke 
of Buckingham? Speak quickly, or \ou will drive me 
mad. * 

Len. His Grace is attempting to make love to the 
queen. 

Earl. Heavens, man! you are wild! You tnow not 
what you say. 

Len. Is it possible that Charles shall be disgraced by 
the man in whom he has confided the most tender trust? 

Earl. How do you know this to be true? 

Len. I orerheard the Duke de Chevreuse say to Marie 
de Medici that the gallant envoy, his Grace, the Duke of 
Buckingham, gave the Duchess de Chevreuse one hun- 
dred thousand livres, and the loan of two thousand pis- 
toles, to assist him in winning the heart of Anne of Aus- 
tria, the Queen of France. 

Earl. That explains all! How dull I was not to real- 
ize the meaning what Marie de Medici said to me, from 
which I now understand that she is assisting Madame de 
Chevreuse to ruin her daughter-in-law. \^Asto?nshed.'\ 
Can a young queen have no protectors when the queen- 
mother and the ladies of her court jointly conspire her 
ruin? 

Len. It is for this reason that the Duke of Buckingham 
and his suite is lodged in this hotel, close to the Louvre; 
that better opportunities be given Buckingham and the 
queen. 

Earl. The prosecution of the queen by the queen- 
mother and Richelieu, has aroused for her the sympathy 



fe? 



te) 



WHEN^ BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 7. 

of all fair minded people. 

Len. Such treatment operates to produce much of that 
wilfulness and rash imprudence by which her reputation 
incurred so severe an ordeal. 

Edfl. The wickedness of the youth Armand Jean Du- 
plesis has not been softened by the religious robes of a 
cardinal. [Music; a grandmarch in the distance.^ What 
is that I hear? 

Len, The opening of the great ball. 

Earl. I must go; I am behind time. I will see you 
after the ball in the morning. 

[ Exit Earl to r. 

Len. lAlc?ne.~\ T will also go, and I will see that the 

fair name of England is ever kept pure. 

[Exit Lennox. 
[House darkened. Flats run. ^ 

Scene TI. — Grand parlor in the Hotel de Chevreuse. Gen- 
eral Diquemare and Henrietta discovered sitting on opposite sides 
of a large table. 

Hen. I am pleased with my engagement. Can one do 
better than to wed Charles of England, a man who loves 
me and is by me beloved. 

Gen: Good heavens! Nothing can be more abomni- 
ble, than to play the part; wed a man who is not of your 
religious faith; to imprison yourself within castle walls* 
and get no glimpse of more exciting pleasures than asso- 
ciating with an English husband! 

Hen. [Rising quick ly.~\ It is a small matter to be the 
sister of a king, but an exalted position to be the wife of 
a king! [bowing^ I a queen! 

Di^. You have an example of that exalted position in 
your brother's palace; married to Anne of Austria, less 



^©©®©©©s©©© -9®®® ©®®®ir#i#i#i#ii 



8. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

than a year ago, and now scarcely on speaking terms and 
living apart. 

Hen, [A^^^ain bowing.^ But Charles and I love one an- 
other. 

Di(/. [Approaching her.'] You have your mother, Marie 
de Medici, as another living example. I beseech you to 
aspire to the knowledge which is in your family history. 

Hen. My mind soars to the elevation of no regal splen- 
dor; [throwing up her'] hands yours creeps in youthful pas- 
sion. 

Dig. Marry me, [on one knee] and invest reason with 
true affection, wliich elevates the human race. The sweet 
ties which makes happj^ a whole life 

Hen. [Looking down into his fyes.] But you are not a 
king. [Laughing.] Let us not disturb the righteous ar- 
rangements of heaveii; and let us each follow the prompt- 
ings of our instincts. A man of yoar great genius should 
never marry; but I differing in wisdom, shall enjoy the 
earthly bliss of wedlock. Your great brain and culture 
entitle you to a field of labor beyond the ordinary person. 
Your soul is noble, your aspirations lofty, your chances 
of success brilliant. Believe me, no one will rejoice more 
heartily than I when I learn of your success. Your pro- 
ductions will be of mind and knowledge; mine, something 
else. [Quickly siirprisedly placing:, hey hand over her moiitJi] 

Dig. [Smiling^ ^^lancing his knoivifig expression eyes toward 
hej .] Well, yes! something else. 

Hen. There was a time my eyes swayed my heart like 
proud tyrants; and I thought of no one but you. I could 
have lived alone with you, and longed for you. But time 
changes. I became wearied of childhood love. My am- 
bition sought nothing less than a king. [Laughing,] And 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 9. | 

after I received Charleys proposal the chain which bound | 
you and me together lost its strength. I have found his i 
qualities ever precious to me Such opportunity has had [ 
the effect of thus moving me, and there is naught that \ 
could induce me to break my pledge to him. \^Breaking 
loose from him and stepping dack.~\ Kindly do not attempt 
to regain my love, nor to call back a heart now given to 
one I love dearer than my life! 

Dig, Would you have me die [^advancing^ when my 
life can be saved by your consent? 

Hen, \^Ratsing her hand for him to advance no farther. '\ I 
think it is amusing of you to presume su h a sacrifice on 
ray part. {Exit. 

Enter Duke de Eel.egrade and Marie de Meaici. L. 

Be M. I hope you will excuse me. My mind was em- 
barrassed, and I was not giving attention to what I was 
doing; but I know your gallantry will overlook my short- 
coming. 

Df^ke. Your majesty, [surprised^ do you know whence 
comes the word "gallantry'?" • 

A/ed. Its derivation is not concerning me; but I always 
find gallantry in a gentleman! I admire such a man as 
His Grace, the Duke of Buckingham 

Duke. Aye, His Grace, the Duke of Buckingham! 
Buckingham, the gallant, high bred courtier, Bucking- 
ham! 

Med. Don't be jealous. All you gentlemen are jealous 
of His Grace. 

Duke. Indeed, I am not sure but there are ample 
causes. 

Med. Oh no! I mean only that his manly deportment, 

the (.ardinal. "^ ~~ " ~ 



?*^A^X«k^*iTO 



10. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

gentlemanly manners, and high-bred behavior entitles him 
to the first rank. 

Duke. Only too true. I have known something of his 
behavior. I have also known him \_/ai/ghin^'] to take ad- 
vantage of his opportunities. 

Med. Why should he not persist? \ Looking at the Duke 

Duke No reason that I know. \^Si(fe wink.'\ I believe 
it is the custom for one who is in attendance at the court 
of a king, queen or prince, to take advantage of all op- 
portunities. 

Med. Oh! is it the custom? Be seated. \_Pinnfino to 
larof arm cJiair.'\ 

Duke {^Side glance: sfviling.^ Does your Majesty ask 
me if it is the custom? 

Med. Why should I not? \_Side whik^ 

Duke. Believe me, I thought your Majesty had expe- 
rience. I have ofttimes heard it spid that Marie de Me- 
dici graciously pleased all the kings, and dukes that she 
favored, and that the Luxembourg generally contained 
one of her favorites. 

Med. True. I once entertained you there. 

Duke. Truly so, with sumptuous taste and gracious 
{arising and howing'\ condescension. 

Med. Then be not jealous. S^Fanning herselj, unnoticed 
by the duke looking into the mirror. A^ 

Dttke. But there are unusual attentions shown to the 
Duke of Buckingham on this occasion. 

Med. No, nothing unusual. \^Turning quickly^ It is 
right and proper, that his Grace the Duke of Bucking- 
ham, in the capacity of a trusted envoy for Charles, 
should safely conduct my daughter Henrietta, immediately 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 11. 

after her marriage by proxy, to Charles, King of England. 

Duke \_Excite(f/y.^ But why should his Grace be en- 
tertained at a house so close to the Louvre? 

Med, Circumstances have made it so. The Duke de 
Chevreuse was chosen to act as proxy for Charles. This 
made it proper to lodge his Grace and suite at the hotel 
of the Duke de Chevreuse. These are circumstances that 
are not worth noticing. 

Duke Not worth noticing! \_Striliing his fist on the table'] 
Madame de ('hevreuse, to whom Buckingham knows in- 
trigue and mischief- making are as the air she breathes. 

Med. Even so, I would hardly think — 

Duke. Hardly think that the Duke of Buckingham is 
not madly in love with Anne of Austria. 

Med, The queen! [^ Quickly raising her hands in terror] 

Duke. Yes, your Mijesty, your daughter-in-law. 

Med. Impossible ! Impossible! [^Again rai^i^io her 
hands ] 

Duke. No, not impossible. I have positive proof that 
his Grace has been intriguing with Madame de Chevreuse, 
and has giveu her one hundred thousand livres, and the 
loan of two thousand pistoles, t> assist him in winning 
the heart of the French queen. 

Med. [^Bringing her hands together.] Is it possible that 
the Duchess de Chevreuse is a woman bound to self-inter- 
est, a mercenary soul? 

Duke I know it to be true. \^Again striking the table.] 
He has found an able ally through his whirl of gayety in 
his fascinating hostess; the Duchess. 

Med. The want of love existing between Louis and 
Queen Anne, has given rise to scandal, 5 

Duke. As queen mother it is not a little surprising that j 

you have not so arranged affairs as to prevent an oppor- € 

tunity for scandal. \ 

_Med^— JLgilL-mentiofr^h at you s ay to Ma r ie de R oiian. t 

} DuKB ^ — Marie d e Rohan -! — ^pn^pirious smile, ] the lively" \ 



12. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

Med. It takes more than one to guard the queen. 

Duke. Spy! I pity the queen; doubly so when you, 
[rising aw/ 7eja/ki^g towani /ier~\ who should be her adviser 
and protector, speak thus of her. 

Med, Duke de Bellegrade, [do7i>i/?g'] you do me too 
much honor. I have promised everything in my power 
to the entertainment of his Grace, the Duke of Bucking- 
ham; and since you have taken exceptions to my treat- 
ment of the queen, I shall explain to you my inability to 
influence her. 

DuKK. Why do you not induce the king and queen to 
agree? It is the duty of a queen-mother, a mother-in-law! 
\_smi7i/?g'] to be a peacemaker; to strive to bring happiness 
to the king and queen. 

Med. The wisdom of youth is to know how to enjoy 
its pleasures. [ IVa iking pi 'chig ^ er hands on the hack of a 
chair, as she smiled.^ Lovt* charms. Without love no one 
can be happy. Vain would be my efforts to create haj)- 
piness where love never existed. 

Duke. I do not blame his Grace for being in love of 
Anne of Austria. [Folding his arms across his breast, look- 
ing at the (/ue en- moth. r.'] »She is exquisite in her • beauty, 
and romantic in culture. 

Med. As the Duke is prodigal! When Charles had 
concluded a marriage contract with Henrietta, I knew it 
would be Buckingham whom Charles would send here to 
take the young bride to him. 

Duke. I am in hopes that you will advise the young 
queen to be prudent in her association with the Duke of 
Buckingham. ^ 

Med. She never obeys me, and on this occasion [ shall 
give her full sway, [j^/^r///j] that she may reap the con- 
sequences of her impropriety as soon as possible. 

Duke. To the close companionship and dangerous ex- 
ample of her majesty's witty favorite, Marie de Eohan, I 
attribute all the errors and misfortunes of the queen, 

1 ^J^^*/i^J^f^jSiy^jA fifei^rf 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 13. | 

§ Med. Her majesty has been imbued by her mother, ^ 
^ Margaret of Austria, with a lively piety and love of vir- ^ 
g tue, which should happily prove her best safeguards, I 
§ through the mauy temptations of her life. § 

§ Duke But these safeguards are fearfully tested at rhis | 
g time by the iuliuence of the force of bad examples. As I 
^ one of the evil consequences upon estrangement from the | 
king {^inquisitive maufur'^ she seems to have imbibed the I 
idea of platonic attachments! \ 

Med. Only for effect. \^Laughing.A^ She is adopting 
Italian modes of thought and action, which are in favor 
with a certain class of clever free-thinking Frenchwomen. 
Duke. Hush, here comes the Duke de Chevreuse, in 
jeweled raiment, and Marie de Rohan. We were speak- 
ing of this sentimentality — perhaps more dangerous to 
virtue than the more undisguised allurements of vice. 

Med. Her Platonic notions are gleaned from Spanish 
romances. She always is inspired with the desire to sub- 
due the hearts of distinguished persons; harmlessly {side 
win]i\ of course. 

Enter DUKE DE CheVREUSE and MaEIE DE ROHAN. 
Duke C Ah! queen mother and Duke, I was about to 
say, now that we find his Grace the object of the queen's 
marked attentions, and under circumstances, too, that 
lend a novel and peculiar interest to their associations — 
the ardent enroy gives himself to a passion as ardent as 
it is presumptuous, and is occupying himself solely with 
attempting the subjugation of the queen. \ 

Rohan. The Duke of Buckingham, the hero of the \ 
queen's imagination, has brought all his fascinations into i 
play, for the purpose of capturing her heart. This I ^ 
know, because I have all the queen's secrets. \ 

Duke C. And all the queen's secrets you divulge to ^ 
her worst enemy, Cardinal Richelieu. \ 

Rohan. I blush to confess that while I am the queen's \ 
confidential friend, I am a spy for the king and Richelieu. \ 
Duke C. Not entirely concurring in that opinion of \ 



I 14. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

g your faithlessness, I am inclined to believe tbat there are § 

g other influences shadowing: the queen's happiness, and ^ 

g estranging her from her consort. g 

§ Rohan. True! her persecution by Richelieu has oper- ^ 

g ated to produce much of that rash imprudence of her con- § 

§ duct by which her reputation has suffered so severe a § 

@ trial. § 

i Duke B. In the trouble into which I see his Majesty 1 

g plunged, it might be better for a separation from the g 

§ queen, which would permit Buckingham's marriage with § 

g Anne of Austria. This with the approaching marriage of § 

§ Charles and Henrietta would unite the three kingdoms! 1 

g [ Risings smiling pleasantly. ] § 

^ Med. It is not a question of money or personal charms. '" 

® Duke C. This foolish qneen is charmed by the pierc- ^ 

§ ing soft eyes, \looking Rohan in tiie face ana slowly advanci; g\ © 

® gracefulness and austeritv of his Grace. She would sac- § 

§ rifice her existence for his love. @ 

S Rohan. Buckingham's beauty and manliness are tl»e g 

% riches which draw her affections and tendtrness toward § 

1 him; these are the only treasures of which she is enam- g 

P ored. ^ 

g Duke B. The king has no faith in the assurance of © 

1 her Majesty's innocence; nor is he inclined to give her @ 

g any credit for the preservation of a goodness, which, ac- ® 

i cording to his views of the case, are dependent upon the ® 

§ watchfulness of those by whom she is surrounded. % 

§ Rohan. Anne of Austria has found to her cost how g 

§ greatly her levity has strengthened the hands, and in- § 

§ flamed the jealousy of Richelieu, and largely injured her 1 

§ in the public mind. 1 

g Med. His Grace's glitter and confusion are well cal- % 

^ culated to please the taste of Parisians, ^ 

§ Rohan. It is the subject of remark that all his clothes § 

g on this occasion will be embroidered with diamonds. ® 

i Duke C. I want to say to you, queen-mother, that I i 



g WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 15. 

i 

g have private iaformation that Buckingham during this 

1 evening will assume various disguises; that in each dis- 

^ guise will continue his love-making with the queen, while 

^ his Majesty may see her entertained each time, will think 

g her attendant a different person. 

§ Enter Earl OF K[NGSTO>. R. [^ typical English dude^ 

® wearing nose glasses, ] 

g Earl. [ Bowing, addressing de Meaici. ] I would be 

§ pleased to be introduced to the queen of France. I know 

g I do not rank with his Grace, the Duke of Buckingham, 

§ but I am an English Earl and a gentleman of distinction, 

^ worthy of royal notice, and being that I am one of the 

g embassadors commissioned to assist in conducting Hen- 

I rietta to King Charles of England, may I not be regarded 

^ as too [again bowing~\ presumptions. 

% Med. You shall be honored at the proper time. But 

% let me ask if you are not appearing in the role of a clown 

@ rather than of an English nobleman? 

© Earl. Your highness^ overlooks the fact of my youth; 

% and you have failed to notice the excess of gravity in the 

% manners of the other gentlemen of our party; hardly be- 

g coming the conduct of embassadors filling the duties of 

our commission. \^ Again howing.^ I say, your Majesty, 

I'm nigh in love with the young queen. 

Frtnch Servant in livery about to enter. 
Earl. [Goings toward servant. '\ I say Chappie! Do 

you know where I can find the queen? 

[Servant surprised, looks at him with contempt,} I say 

Chappie, I want to see the Queen. 

Enter Marie de Eohan, n. 
De Rohan. Q ueen- mother, [S/ar//^^ as s/ie notices the 

Earl.-] 

Med. Madame d« Rohan, permit me to introduce the 
Earl of Kingston, who desires an introduction t© her 
Majesty. 

Enter Bellario the Equerry, l. 

Earl. I am fortunate in being thus favored. My dear 



16. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

Madame I ask that you take an iut^^rest in my behalf 
[Turning and /pointing toward Bellario.^ I say Madame, 
why is that Chappie watching me? 

Bell. [^Walking toward queen-mother and bowing.'] Your 
Majesty, I have the honor of announcing of the coming of 
her Majesty and his Grace, the Duke of Buckingham. 

EoHAN. Ah! here they are, let us step aside, 

[Exeunt. 
Fnter Anne oJ Austria and his Grace, the DUKE OF BUCK- 
INGHAM, c 

[Music in the wing^. Buckingham in costume of "'-uncut vel- 
vet,'' blazing with dia minds. Collars and tmdge? of the Garter 
and St. Esprit, the C olden Fleece, and the oraer of Sc George.] 

Anne. After this assurance I feel somewhat 'relieved; 
but this relief must not be construed into a concession on 
my part. [The quec7i fanning herself vigorously.] But amidst 
this supreme happiness, I have the misfortune to know 
that the man whom I love is not within my control. 

Buc. Dissipate your fears, and allow me to give you a 
seat and assure you that he is under your control; and 
that his obedience to you is the greatest happiness to 
which he aspires. 

Anne. You do not know the possibility of my de- 
mands. 

Buc. I have sworn. I can no longer resist, but must 
yield to whatever you demand. I am no longer my own 
master. 

Anne. You do not know what you have said. I am 
not so ungrateful as to demand the fulfillment of your oath. 

Buc, Then you have a secret reason? [Standing be- 
side the chair in ivhich she is seated^ taking her fan, fanning 
her. ] 

Anne. Yes, but let me keep my secret. If I disclose 
the secret, you would never forgive me. 
) Buc. You are supreme, and I am entirely yours. 
} Anne. [Moving her hayids ] I am not so cruel. 
5 Buc, But you are married. 



I WHEN BUCKmGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 17. 

I Anne. [Sig/imo.'] Too true. 

^ Bug. The wife of a man that hates me. 

p Anne. A wife in name only ! 

§ Bug. Do I hear you say in name only? 

^ Anne. [^B(?7aing.^ I so swear. 

§ Bug. Then I love yon more dearly than ever. 

g Anne. I shouldn't have said so much. 

Bug. lAn/ma/e//.^ It you'll but swear to so remain — 
AxNE. Do not ask more. 

Bug. Would to Qod, I could tell you how I love :/ou? 
If you doubt my sincerity, Sjteppino aside and starting to 
druw his sword~\ let me measure lengths with your little 
king. 

Annr. You are a madman! You know not what you 

say. \_Q.iic-kly arising^ 

Bug. I mean I am yours; and [ am ready to die for 
you. Does your Majesty wish to test me! 
Anne, r have rejected more from kings. 
Bug Pray tell me what cruel destiny have you drawn 
upon me. 

Anne. Your Excellency renders me desperate, 
Bug. Your Majesty should reflect well upon my wil- 
lingness to aid you. Let us unite our affections, and the 
god of love becomes a happy lover, and we will celebrate 
the grand day; let our 'juity be known to all; let it echo 
through Europe. 

Annr. My religion forbids me. \_sternly.'] 
Bug. Love is the inheritance of mankind. Pleasures \ 
I have their turns; it is their sweetest use to satisfy. \ 

I Anne. When one has to sigh, with love, all the evil \ 
I does not consist in becoming enamored. S 

I Bug. Your Majesty fears too much. \ 

I Anne. When sacrifices terminate in martyrdom the ^ 
I penalty is too great for the pleasure. 6 

I Bug. When one reasons beyond limit, it is like the \ 
I follies which wine causes. [Smiling as she bows ] \ 

I Anne. The difference is, that when one is drunk with \ 



I 18. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

I wine, it is ofttimes fiuished in one day; but when a heart § 

I is drunk with love, it is often for the whole of life. Be § 

I less severe; at least allow yourself to be overcome by § 

\ higher motives of tenderness. Consider the rights of g 

j others, and inquire if you can afford to be in this way § 

j swayed from reason. § 

j \ BuckingJiam handling a bouquet on the wantle broke off a k 

\ flower, which falls to the floor. A^ Will you give me that 1 

I broken flower? g 

I Bug. Certainly, with pleasure. [^Picking it up and g 

I reaching it to her, ] g 

I [As their hands touch she seems magnetized. ] % 

I Buc. I care not for conjugal bonds, and I renounce all g 

I haughty dispositions which oppose my ambition. ® 

] Anne Let me advise you rather to think of me no S 

I more; let me be to you as though you had never chanced % 

I to see me. § 

I Buc. If you could see into my heart, you would pity § 

I me; and love me. % 

I Anne. No! my affection for you never reached farther § 

I than gratitude I do not doubt the sincerity of your § 

I many oaths. § 

I Buc Well, then! why should you not fly with me and % 

I become my wife? @ 

I Anne. Your Excellency would have me give up my S 

I all to satisfy your wishes. g 

I Buc. Your Majesty has well said — % 

I Anne. It is asking too much for what I should receive g 

I in return. 1 

I Buc. S^Piqued.^ Oh! I am not much, am I? You g 

I know not the lover you have charmed! Do you wish to % 

I make this new-born glory vanish? \^On one knee taking her g 

I hand betweeft his. ] You do not trust me; refuse me, and ^ 

i fate, beneath whom heaven trembles, shall punish you for © 

) your cruelty. 

[ Anne Your Excellency cannot wish, the moment you 

j love, to forever cherish and control the object of your 



u 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 19. 



g choice. 

i Buc. Then let me die! \_Arising quickly.^ It is the 

^ only solution of the grief that I endure. Could I wish to 

% live? And for whom could I form new desires? O, 

% [ IValkiug away with his hands up(] wide blue ocean whose 

§ waters forever cover the mysteries of the deep, bury me 

g beneath thy waves! 

^ Anne, Your rashness should avoid such acts. Take 

§ your fate manfully; \_arising^ let your sorrow be profound 

g and your grief sublime. After that another and more 

% worthy object of your love awaits you. Let your love for 

^ me die within you, and the charms of a new love evoke in 

§ you life anew. \_Sio/)pin^, tumtno quickly,'] Your Bxcel- 

% lency, this is no play. Who sees this, sees real life, 

1 Buc. But yesterday, I saw nothing in my future but 

© happiness? 

© Anne. Your Excellency would have me sacrifi3e all 

i that is dear to a good woman, and bow in obedience to 

© your charms? 

^ Buc. My blood is as warm, as my soul is prodigal, 

i Anne. A prodigal soul gives the tongue false vows! 

i Buc. The better to beguile; yet oft breaking down the 

® pales of reason. 

§ Ente?' Bellario. 

Anne. What now? 

Bel. The king. 

Anne. Well, Bellario! 

Ser The king desires your presence. 

Anne. Tell his Majesty that I will be with him 
presently. 

\_Exif BELLARI3. 

Anne. I fear my stay with you has displeased the 
king. [ Walking and looking down the wings.] 

Buc. You would not have me to fear the king? 

Anne. Should he accuse you of seeking my love, then 
fear only for yourself; it is you who are to be pitied. 

Buc. Thus vanishes all fright, to know that I have no 



20. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 



fear but for myself. [Advancing with open arms toward /ler.] § 

Anne. \^Her open hand toward him. ^ Your Grace! § 

Bug. Your Majesty, must know that we are alone. § 

]^queen retreating. ] We may not be again favored by such | 

an opportunity. We are alone, your Majesty ! We are % 

alone ! g 

Anne, Allow me to retire and obey the king who has l 

permitted me here. [ Walking away.'\ @ 

Buc. But stay, and tell me when shall we again meet § 

and what shall then be my hopes. g 

Anne. [^Frightened.^^ Do not detain me! You know 1 

not the anger of a jealous husband. 1 

Buc. Tell me the reason of your emotion? \^Going % 

toward the queen. ] "]. 

Anne. The king is suspiciously vigilant. 1 

Buc, But I can't let you go until you promise me — g 

Anne. I will not promise you! Allow me to obey my g 

husband ! It is better that I tell you some other time, ra 

that which grieves me so much. § 

Buc. I do not care for the woman who only loves in @ 

words. ® 

ANNE. You'd have me share an equal guilt, and bear g 

an equal blame. @ 

Buc. If you love me you'll share my fate. g 

Anne. I to share your fate? g 

Buc. Make your choice. m 

Anne. I have not failed to express my thoughts. i 

Buc. What weakness! § 

Anne. What martyrdom! [Placing a chair between the § 

duke and herself .'\ | 

Buc. Is there no way that I can succeed? [ Placing his i 

ha7id on back of chair. ] § 

Anne. There are, in those affairs of lore's mystery, § 

certain little moments in which the most severe change © 

makes lovers happy. i 

Buc. Then when may I hope? Let me know, [again @ 

on knee, taking her hand'] that I may be cheered, that I may g 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 21. 

release my heart from the cruel feeling that exercises 
merciless sway! 

AN^E. Alas! how can I, when the danger is so great 
Buc. Do you look upon me as a guileless beast, that 
cannot live without restraint! 

Anne. Whence comes this madness? It can no longer 
be called love. Love is mild and tender; love is an af- 
fection of the heart; excited by that which delights ad- 
miration. Not to craze; to woo, and not to command; to 
cherish, not to fear. It is devotion, not wickedness, it is 
sacred, not criminal; it is kindness, not reproach; it is 
affection, not hatred; it is friendship, not enmity; it is 
tenderness, not roughness; it is delightful, not miserable. 
Enter Bellario. 
Anne. Well, now! 
Bel. His Majesty's commands! 
Anne. In a few moments I will join his Majesty 

\_Exit Equerry. 
Buo. Will you excuse my act, my heart is full of in- 
sensibility, and arouses the passions that move me. 

Anne. {^Claspino her hands.^ In the name of heaven, 
the honor of a gentleman, go! I implore you not to com- 
promise me! Do not you see the king has twice de- 
manded my return! He knows we are together. 

Buc. {^Bowing, \ I can refuse nothing solicited in those 
terms. I will leave the Karl of Kingston in Paris; he will 
act the part of joker, jester and fool, but he will keep me 
informed. 

{^Exit Buckingham. 
[ The queen, alone. Her ladies-in-waiting seen at a distance 
conversing with Earl of Kingston. '\ 

Anne. He is gone. {^ExciiecL'\ My love burns within 
me. The duke alone has charmed me. I love him, 
[ Walking rapidly about. ] I shall again say something that 
will please him; something to recover my plighted faith. 
But what have I to inspire me with such hopes! My 
beauty pleases him. \^Ker hand^ over her eyes. ^ What 



22. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

vapors dim my brain! Though I have displeased him, I 
have only interested myself in my own behalf. I have 
sighed for the misfortunes attending a marriage without 
being a wife. My misery, mv grief have everywhere ac- 
companied my tears. Y^t, \^s topping sutdenly^ I repeat 
aloud that the heavens may hear it, that I will always be § 
true ta my vows; though all happiness on earth vanish 
from me, I shall bear the pain, and await the premium 
that heaven offers for the good. I have wavered between 
right and wrong; but God knows I have not yielded I 
shall be guided by the immortal flames that are fostered 
by heaven. 

Enter KiNG LouiS XI 11 , C. 

\Stoppim^ to hear tvhat the queen is saving. J 

King. Ah, what is this I hear; the libertine; the 
tempter, has sought you ere we're married a year! 

Anne. Have the king confidence in his queen! 

King. Yes, and I honor you, for what you have just 
said, \_on one knee^ and I am determined to place you be- 
yond the reach of the tempter. 

Anne. Where? 

King. In a convent! 

Anne. Why in the solitude of a convent ? 

King. Because, my respect for you is not warmed by 
love's passion! 

Anne. \^ Appealing. ~^ But the time may come when — 

King. Yes, your Majesty, the time may come when 
the Good Lord will say: "Louis, love thy Anne for hence- 
forth she shall be your wife." 

Anne. Your wife, did I hear you say? To what hap- 
py inspiration do I owe this declaration of hope. 

King, But your majesty must until that day^ secret 
yourself in a nunnery. 

Anne. I shall not be tempted. 

King. You are a beautiful woman. The worldlings of 
all the courts in Europe are at your feet, with their ad- 
miring eyes, their sweet beguiling tongues, they are all 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 23. 



bold and vigorous in manhood. \ 

Anne. [ Fery detenn/netf.'] I shall never go to a nun- \ 

nery ! ( 

King. Only until — ( 

Anne. Marriage, is the legal union of a man and ( 

woman for life! ( 

King. Aye, a man! i 

Anne And a woman i 

King. Yes, Anne, [^placing his hand on her h^ad'\ the i 

woman is here, you are human, you are human. 

Anne. \^PatheticaUy.'\ I am not lacking indulgence 
King. You may have our marriage declared void ab 
i flit 10. 

Anne. I shall remain with -^(iw. \_ri sing qui ckly'\ until 
death shall desolve our marriage. 

King. If you honestly want to avoid the Duke's love, 
in your despair, retire and seek at the icy foot of the 
Cross, the strength to extinguish the unholy love he has 
enkindled in your heart. 

Anne. Did you not hear the bishop say: ''Louis, 
will you take Anne for your wife!" 
King. Yes, your Majesty. 
Anne. Didn't you reply, "I will.'^ 
King. Yes, your Majesty, I so promised. 
Anne. Didn't you hear the bishop say: ''Anne will 
you take Louis for your husband." 
King. Yes, your Majesty. 

Anne. Didn't you hear me reply, "Yes, I will." 
King. Yes, your Majesty. 

Anne. I will keep my promise. When I felt you 
press the cold, gold ring over my linger, I was not aware 
that you intended the symbol of eternal union as an empty 
ornament. 

King. But, I am the king! 

Anne Didn't you leave me at the church door, never 
to meet you again onlj^ on public occasions like this. 
King. By our marriage Austria and France alone 



24. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 



were united 

Anne. Then why your false promise at the throne and 
in the presence of God'? 

King, For the peace and the welfare of two great na- 
tions. 

Anne. You ask me to dwell in solitude for the peace 
of Austria and France? 

King. I have obeyed the requirements of the ministry, 
Anne. Your promise should be the more sacred since 
Austria did not solicit the marriage. 

King. The less sacred, since France had to solicit. 
Anne. Do you now want me to sacrifice my life's hap- 
piness? 

King. I do not want you to sacrifice your salvation in 
the next world. 

Anne. I am in no danger. 

King. I was about to concede to your wishes; when I 
beheld you nearly in the arms of the Duke. 
Anne. It is false, it is false! 

King. I see your love for Buckingham glaring in your 
eyes. 

Anne. My conduct to the Duke was but tokens of 
gratitude due the prime minister of a friendly nation. 
King. Your behavior appeared to me as tokens of love! 
Anne. Aye, the action of the human heart; should 
not [^side glance'] love another since you love me not? 

King. Go, go to a convent and become a sweet faced 
I queen -nun. 

Anne. No, I will not, though the day will come when 
on your knees, you will make atonement for the past, and 
you will ask my pardon for causing me to suffer. 

King Well, if such shall be the case, I will kneel at 
your feet like a king, ^Laughing, stopping short,] Dare 
you before me say you have been ill-treated? 
Anne. Have I not suffered in silence? 
King. You have grieved to meet the man who today 
declared his guilty passions. 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 25. | 

I Anne. Did 1 say I loved Buckingham? I 

© King. I love the woman, who when in danger will cry \ 

© for her protector. \ 

© Anne I have no protector, No man whose eonfidante \ 

© I am. \ 

© K NG. I saw you and Buckingham glide, like phan- ( 

© toms, down the corridor, to whisper the words of love's I 

© madness; which proves your guilty intentions. \ 

© Anne. I would like to see the man I married rise to ( 

© his sense of duty, and declare to me that he will make I 

© good his promises. i 

© King. You demand that of me at the feet of my rival? i 

© Annr, Yes, sire, for in royal marriages, magnitude of | 

g love should be the measure of rank. ] 
© King. Shall a king love his consort better than any 
© other woman? 

© Anne. Yes. sire; because she should be your wife as 
g well as your queen. 

CURTAIN. 



Act IL 

Scene. "/n apartments ofthe QUEEN, The queen and the 
Countess Lannoi discovered. J he queen painting. 

('OUN. Richelieu has firm faith in the tradition that 
the White Lady revisits the Louvre once each year, and 
has done so for centuries. 

Anne [^Smiling as she drops the brush.^ Richelieu is a 
Wiseman. What he believes must be true, i Picking up 
her brush and resuming her work. ] 

CouN. True, though I'm old I have never seen the 
ghost. Yet I have lived here twenty years. 

Annr. [Smiling ] Can you faint without screaming? 

CouN. No, [walking close to the door.'] but I can become 
frightened and run without screaming. 

CoUN. I fear your Majesty has given ear to the sweet 
words of the Duke of Buckingham. 

Anne. Buckingham plays the part of lover well; he 



I 26/ WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

\ shall have tribute from me; the adventurous knight shall 5 

\ not use his foil and sword; but as a lover shall not sigh in ^ 

\ vain; he shall be successful to the extent that is consist- > 

I ent [dsiWe) to honor. ? 

I CouN. Even thou<^h he indulge in such delight as his l 

I passions crave. ^ 

I Anne. And I be a party to that pleasure! | 

I CouN. Should the king chance to know — { 

I Anne. Yes, though the king should chance to know, j 

I CouN. Such inhibitions comes by way of innovation. 

I Anne. Aye, I'll sacrifice form that I may — 

I CouN. Hold your Majesty! I cannot give heed to 

I such departure from court custom. 

I Anne. But I am queen! 

I CouN. And I your lady-of-honor, whose duty it is to 

§ see strict observance of court customs, 

I Anne. Court customs to the winds! I must have my 

I own way for once in my life. 

I Cou^. Give thought to your admiration of the Duke, 

B with an attent ear, till 1 learn his motive. 

Anne. O, to restrain my liberty and my tongue, now, 
above all times in life I can use both to such an advan- 
tage, would be to do me great harm. 

Coun. No, but to restrain most wicked speed. 

Anne. I will prophesy, that he will come and declare 
I his love; mark it. 

I CoUN. Declare his love to a married woman, and vir- 
' tuous queen; horrible! 

' Anne. l[La7/^i^/u'//g.'] You! '[Lau^^/ii/ig.^ You have 
j lost the fire of youth! second time will come to you; for 
> they say that an old woman is twice a child. What would | 
j you do, llauo/ii;ig~\ had you the motive and the cue for § 
I passion that I have? You would welcomingly proclaim, g 
5 come! noble Duke of Buckingham and see your love! © 

) Coun. I would not soil my mouth with such a profane 1 
J speech, nor expose the guilt of a false heart. ® 

I Anne. Do not grate so harshly; a younger person 1 



© 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 27. \ 

g might think you a lunatic; l/au^Ai;?g.^ ^ 

^ CouN. Keep aloof from such madness, or your conduct ^ 
g will brighten the way to hell! Such a course leads to ^ 
§ evil; and the devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape; ^ 
yea, and, perhaps, out of your weakness you may be lost \ 
before you realize it. I pray you overstep not the mod- ^ 
esty due a queen. \ 

Anne My dear countess, remain nearby l/augki^^o'] | 
that you as 'twere by accident, may be within my call \ 
\_liiuo/wfg ] ] 

CouN. I shall obey you, and shall pray that your | 
goodness will restrain Buckingham's madness. I 

\^RLipping at the aoor ] \ 

CouN Come! 

Enter BELLA RIO. 
Bkl. [£xe:ted,] The White Lady! the White Lady! 

Enter tall form wrapped in ivhiie silk shawl ^ C. 
(>oUN. Heavens save me! \^Runnino from the room.\ 

{^Exit Countess. 
Bug. \^Dropping on one knee^ and throwing off the white 
shaivl'^ passionately kissing the queen s hand. ^ At last I have 
you alone! Quick! tell ms if you still love me! 

Anne. It is better that my lips may not express the 
sentiment of my heart. 
Bug. But say yes. 

Anne. If I said no, would you have come"? 
Bug. I wish to be the nearest to your heart. 
Anne. My heart \^michievously twitching her eyes~\ sighs 
for the heart it wants. 

Bug. Cupid has shot the dart that wounded my heart, 
Anne. And you came here to see if I had any remain- 
ing darts? 

Bug. l^gain kissing her hand.'] It is very gweet to hear 
these words from your lips. The happiness of pleasing 
you is my highest study, and my heart reposes all its 
bliss in your affection. 

Anne. You seemingly understand the art of express- 
WMWMWMkfM 



28. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

ing your emotions. Bat I have not forgotten your affec- g 
tion for the Countess — § 

Bug. Ah, she is very good, \_rising to his feet, her hand g 
between his'\ but her age has put this ardent zeal into her g 
\iY^'A,%\^\_7vithdrawino )ier hand.~\ She enjoyed her ad van- § 
tages well enough as long as she was capable of attracting § 
attention; but, seeing the lustre of her eyes become some- 1 
what dim, she renounced the world, and conceals herself 1 
under the pompous cloak of lofty wisdom, and the decay § 
of her worn-out charms. \ Laughing. '\ ^ 

Anne. You express your thoughts somewhat freely. % 

Bug. I may be allowed this freedom, [ag'tin taking her g 
hand'] seeing that my heart's choice warrants it. 1 

Anne. You shock me ! [ Pulling her hand loose ^ and re- ^ 
girding him with severitj'.'] § 

Bug. My appeal affects no modesty. 

Anne Assume a modest demeanor, if vou have it not. 

Bug. My only hope \_niaki/ig a low ^^/^r^^jy^] depends on 
your choice. 

Anne. Then I have no ditticulty in deciding. Your 
conduct is void of virtue. — 

Bug. Virtue! Aye, let virtue be as the rosin jn the 
pine tree, melt in its own flame; declare neither goodness 
nor shame; and let the world guess at what happens. 

Anne. Speak no more unholy man, for your breath 
withers all it touches. 

Bug Do not tell me that my wishes shall be thus re- 
jected, {^following her. ] 

Anne. It is a weakness of woman's heart, not to say 
no, when her honor is tainted by saying yes. 

Bug. Heaven has given you no cruel heart. 

Anne. That is justice to the king and myself. 

Bug. If, by loving you, I do the king a wrong, you 
have no part in the sin. \^ A gain approaching her.] 

Anne. Then, to love you I can escape the consequence 
of my own folly? 

Bug. I perceive by the blush that rises to your face, 



^ WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEK. 29. 



^ that my words do not please you. 

§ Anne. It is because my ears fear to hear, the answer 
i of my heart's desire; and my brain says the effect will 
ee wound another heart, 

Buc. What other hearf? 
Anne. The king! 

Buc. Then tell me my fate! \_0u one knee, interlaced 
hands. '\ 

^NNE. That is just what you will not want to hear. 
Buc. It is because you will not enter into the feelings 
of a heart full of tender passion, \^arising.^ 
Anne. Go! Leave me, that I may consider. 
Buc. How can we meet again? The White Lady does 
not make daily visits, 

Anne. Go! I'll find a way to meet you. 
Buc. Behold my heart; \on one knee^ taking her hand^ 
taking your hand does not electrify you as it did the first 
time our hands touched. 

Anne. [^Motioning him to arise.] Love always comes to 
young hearts surrounded by sweet guiles, but in different 
ways. 

Buc. IHands 07'er his heart.] Oh my heart! my heart! 
Anne. \ Laughing.] You can imagine naught but joy 
and pleasure from this budding love, that flatters your 
desires. 

Buc. No, not budding, but full in bloom! 
Anne. But, you do not think of the cruel misfortune 
with which fate threatens me. 

Buc. My heart! my heart! Ah, what have I done, 

that you treat my tenderness so harshly, and judge me so \ 

cruel ! I 

A^NE. Your appeals will not conquer my heart, and | 

may destroy our happiness in the future. But I'll say to \ 

you that I'll remember you! That is sufficient. I am | 

sincere, which to doubt is to offend me. § 

5 Buc At last! at last! \^Qnickly arisiftg^.] | 

\ Anne. Platonic love is dangerous. ^ 



WWMWW JIM— MJggOTi 
30. WHBK BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEllf. 



ho{><f, and r<^nder 




Blc But wb#*n — 

An-VE. JJo fjot indulj^^i juy h^fart 
j/jy miaforiuntt th*^ morf; unhajipy. 

Buc. Am f to invoke the aid of oathH, wh*^fj J pro/rj 
ise to Jove yon forever? 

AssK- How you wrong yourself by nuch alarnjH! ii*- 
iseaterJ; you may need your strength in getting away from 
here. 

Br;c. And how little you know of your eharm^! 

AXSE. J ac^^pt your word, [seating henei/ in an arm- 
chair. ] 

Bi;c. Ar^cept the pledge which J give you, and suffer 
my lipi!» to fiieai the oath with tran8|K>rt8 on thi(« fair hand, 
[ on one knee he due ker^ a(jain knnng her hanU.\ Jfow Hwt-Aii 
the ^laresH of an ardent lover! [letii/jg the naml drop on h^r 
lap. J And how far the king is from all this tAtntitirntthh. 

AjfMC. Hov, your word »s cheer me, \ tooking tenderly in 
his {ace. j 

\^A noise in the closet, the door s/tghth ajar; the fjue^n Jft^^ht- 
en^u. ] I thought I heard a noi>^! 

Bt'C. Jt i« nothing: give me >>omething that 1 can kihh 
each day in remembramjt of you. 

Ay*K \^Tukin^ a rtnv from her fin^/r, kittin<; it and ih^n 
placing it on hts finger. '\ Keep thiis forever. Whenever you 
ki«s it, my lips will renixmd as though they met yours 
[ Dafee- rising quickly. Noi^^ of a man running. ] 
ErUer HelLA \<V), L. 

y^KL The king! the kio^ ! 

AftBTK Fiy! 

Bt'C. \_Drawin;^ the shawl o7jer him. ] If e will ttot know 
me, I'll brave even tbe king. 

Aiv'JfE. \Jrefji4lg excited. '\ Jf An your heart a hifurk of 
friendhhix> inspires you with the nUuhU^fX pity for my 
faite, go! leave me! 

Btc. i;«iniiot I hide unuj ttic KiJig acpait! 

AyxE. 5o, fly! I say fly! 

B^'C. [Starting, hesitating. \ Cy^u I see yoo a^in ere f 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 31. 



e? 



depart for Eugland? 
® Anne. Madame de Chevreuse will inform you, tij-! 
^ Buo. \_Kissi/ig her /idnd ] Our parting is a reminder of 
^ friendship. 

Anne. Go I pray you lly! For your life Hy! 
Buc. \^7\iA'iNg a ri/ii^ from his fini^cr unif giving it to tfw 
(}ucen,\ Keep this as a reminder of me. >Jow which 
way? 

Anne. {^Pointing to i>ach door. ] Through that door and 
down the back stairway. 

Tiie king enters the hail door, and sees Buckm^^ham ptiss out 
the rear door. 

[/ixit W^HiTE Lady. 
King. What is it I see? 

Anne. An apparition. [In simuJatin:: fright, s/ic faints.^ 
King. What is that in white I saw going out the back 
door? 

J^/lter (^^UNTESS LANNOI, R. 

OouN. A ghost. Your Majesty, it is the White Lady. 

Laiiies-in-uhuting enter unol^scfveii hy t/ir ki'fg. 

King. I am glad I came in so suddenly, I have never 
seen her before, though tradition has it that she has vis- 
ited the Louvre for centuries. I hope she has not fright- 
ened you. my dear? [goint; iiwi (onso/ing the ijueen. ] 

Annk. Sire, \ love you! 

King. I can not give you in return the love that is due 
you. 

Anne. Not actuated alone by jealousy? 

King. I cannot aciuise you, for you have done noth- 
ing, so I accuse myself of being unworthy of you. I re- \ 
gret that the custom of kingdoms recpiire marriages where C 
tlu^ marriage static should not exist. What I fear is, that \ 
your beauty may be the ruin of your honesty. | 

Anne. Sire, fear not for me! \ 

KiN(i. Fear not for you. My mother's indiscretion \ 
has caused me a life of shanui. Have I not rt^ason to j 
fear? l want to liejir of no nu)re temptations. T give \ 



32. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEBN. 

you all that is in my heart for woman. 

Anne. If I waut in goodness, or in power to please 
you do not think that it is caused by a lack of qualities 
that is dear to woman. 

King. I can forgive you; for I lack in gallantry, spirit 
and all that makes man happy. It is not in external, nor 
in manner and spirit that I care to appear; for I am but 
the impersonation of man. 

Anne. Louis! 

King. Your graceful morements, unconscious dignity, 
buoyancy, and spontauious womaaly feeling is all that I 
expected. 

Anne. But she has. [A^ain faints ] 

King. If it had not been the White Lady, but a man 
in white, he would have caused no fright. \^Laug]iing.^^ 

COUN, \^Placing a bottle to the qiietus nose,'\ This will 
rerive her 

Anne. \^Aroiising.'\ It was always my kope that the 
White Lady would not appear to me. {^Bottle to her ?iose. ] \ 

King. There my dear, calm yourself. Bellario where ( 
are the ladies-in-waiting? \ Tumifig he discovers them all \ 
statiding inside the room. ] ( 

Rohan. Her Majesty faints again ! ( 

CouN. {^Putting a bottle to her nose.^ She opens her eyes. ( 

Anne. \_Stnking her hands ai?nles^ly in the air.^ What ( 
have I seen! ( 

Med. a ghost my child! a ghost! ( 

ANne. [Insane.^ It is not a ghost for [rising^ which i 
I am sighing; I beheld in the king that bliss which ever ( 
forms the weight of my wishes. But 1 live only in for- i 
lorn hopes I 

Med. \_Aside.'\ Hush, child, the king always believed ( 
in the White Lady. * ( 

Anne. Did 3 ou ever see her? • ( 

) Med. [Aside'] No, never! That is, [a low tone in her ( 
) ear] it wasn't necessary for me to see her. Do not enter- < 
j tain any doubt. ( 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 33. 



I ROH. Was she old, or youDg? [winking ai Marie de 
I MeMci.^ 

f Anne. [Arising quickly, and excited. '\ Wrinkles of a 
I thousand years, each finger six inches long, with nails 
© like claws of an eagle. Her sunken eyes like two graves; 
i high nose like a tombstone; her ears like a monster fun- 
gus growth on dead wood; her eyes like the dim reflec- 
tions of two far-off stars, her breath like a blizzard blown 
from a frozen zone; her voice like the hissing noise of a 
viper. 

King Oh! she breathes! she breathes! does she? I 
thought ghosts didn't breathe! 

Anne. That is I could feel the air about her, blowing 
toward me. It might have been caused by the cold air 
that followed her from the sepulcher. 
Yer. Did she speak to you! 

Anne. In a low, hissing voice, as she laid her clammy 
hand on mine, she asked, "Has the king endeared him- 
self to your affections?'' 

King. What v/as your reply? 
Anne. I quickly replied: He has. 
King. I am glad to know it. 
Med. What did the White Lady then say? 
Anne. Beware! beware! When she thus spoke, she 
shook her long bony finger at me, and at the same time 
grinned, a hateful smile of irony. Oh, dear Louis, I 
wished you had been present. 

RoH. Oh, yes, {unnking at Medici^ the king should 
have been present. 

CouN. Kings like other husbands, should always be 
with their wives. 

Ver. [Addressing de Medici. ~\ Your Majesty, it has 
been the wish of your life to see the White Lady? 

A noise in the closet, the door opens and Richelieu steps out, 
all horrified. 

Richelieu. I have heard the explanation of her Maj- 
esty, and I would have believed it, as I did always believe 



34. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

in the visits of the White Lady. But I had reason to ap- @ 

prehend there was auother who wanted to play the role of g 

the White Lady, and as a friend to the king, I was deter- © 

mined to be here for once in life when the White Lady § 

made her call. I secreted myself in the closet. I was M 

here when she came. I was here when she departed. ^ 

History does not inform us of her natiGnality, but we all ^ 

believed her to be French. For years we've been mis- m 

taken. She is English. VVe always supposed she was a g 

woman, but I saw her face, and she is a man. g 

Anne. It is false! ^In i^reaf u/iger.j ^ 

Rich. The White Lady is not only a man. but the best ^ 

looking man in all England; one who has the reputation g 
of being the world's greatest courtier 

King. Great heavens! VVhat have I heard! is it g 

credible? © 

Queen founts. © 

Rich. His great zeal for her Majesty has just shown § 

itself. He aims at nothing less than dishonoring the © 

throne of France. I have just he^ird him making to the © 

queen an insulting avowal of a guilty passion Her © 

sweet disposition and her too discreet feelings would by g 

all means have kept the secret from you; but I cannot en- § 

c urage such silence, and believe that to have been silent © 

about it would have been to encourage his return. g 

King. Great heavens! Would that I had been here! © 

Ladies-in-waiting, and ladies-of honor, what were you all © 

doing, and what are you here for! Bellario, I say, what © 

do you guard her Majesty's door fo<r? In what way do © 

you account for your lack of duty? Did English gold ^ 

blind you, all of your eyes? Countess ^jannoi, you, whom | 

I could always depend ujion, answer first? © 

\ COUN, \_ Addressing the Cardinal'] Cardinal Richelieu! 1 

J who in religion is my father, dare you by this falsehood, © 

^ through eaves-dropping, an act beneath the pride and g 

3 honor of a cardinal or a duke, tarnish the purity of this ® 

\ virtuous queen? \^Then turning to the kino.] What would $ 



^ 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 35. 

g this jealous hypocrite make your Majesty believe? That 
^ in the darkness of a private closet he slept and dreamed 
^ that a man entered this room, with an equerry standing 
at the door, and the room and queen, surrounded by all 
the ladies in- waiting, who know nothing of what he tells 
you. 

Ver. It is not for me to say that the Cardinal-duke, 
who stands nearest to your Majesty, and who is your ad- 
viser, is also a falsifier, and a traducer of virtue. 
RoH. Do not accuse the Cardinal harshly. 
CouN. Dare you take the ('ardiual's part! or say a 
word in his behalf; or vouch for the truth of what he says? 
though you have been accused of being his spy, {shaking 
her finger at de Roh in. ^^ Mind you, I say accused; I'm 
making no charge. 

Ver. No, Countess, Madame de Rohan did not mean 
that the Cardinal told the truth, but she did not want one 
so near the king, to be denounced as a falsifier. I believe, 
as it seems her Majesty does, that the Cardinal fell asleep 
in the closet, else the appearance of the White Lady 
would have awakened him. Had he seen au Englishman 
in her Majesty's room, such an outrage would have moved 
him to such a rage that he would have thrown open the 
door and strangled the intruder. 

RoH. I believe every word her ladyship hag just riaid. 
Cardinal Richelieu is too , honorable a man, too loyal to 
the crown, to his king, to have remained quietly in a 
closet and see invaded the sanctity of her Majesty's pri- 
vate chamber by an amorous courtier; and still remain 
quiet and have his e «rs polluted by insulting avowals of a 
guilty passion; hear the queen resent them, as the Car- 
dinal admits. Yet he, Richelieu, both Cardinal and Duke, 
and the king's adviser, and closest friend, sat within arm's 
reach of the would-be destroyer of virtue, and say not a 
word. No, Cardinal, you were dreaming. What think 
you? 

Rich. I have spoken. 



36. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEBN. 



King. Speak again, and tell me did you not stand 
within arm's length of a destroyer of my happiness and 
permit him to insult the queeni 
EiOH. Let me answer later. 

Equ. If an Eng'ishman had passed in at this door, 
even though he were clothed as a woman I'd smell him 
asd run luy sword through him. 

King. [Patting him on the shoulder. '\ Brave Bellario ! 
I believe you. 

ROH. [Speaking aside to Riehe/ieu.'] To save yourself, 
believe in our story I have always been your friend, and 
often your spy. I have never failed to serve you. It is 
now time for you to serve me. [ A/oud.^ Do you hear 
me? 4 ell the truth? 

CouN. Why trust to a dream and not believe us who 
were all awake and on duty? 

Rich. Every one takes me for a godly man, and I 
don't want now to admit that I have lied 

Ver. Noo, but admit that you have told an improba- 
ble story, that you yourself regret. 

RoH. A story, which if true, would show your total 
want of gallantry and patriotism. One that would com- 
promise not only you but the crown. 

CouN. A story, which if made public, would set all 
England laughing at France, would be the jest of the bar 
rooms, and the witticism of the stage. If true, why 
didn't you strangle the monster with your naked hands? 
Why did you lie curled up in the closet like a miserable 
crawling snake, waiting to be stepped upon before you'd 
even fight in your own defense! [ Turning to the king. ] 
This is not the true character of our Cardinal; thank God, 
it is not. [To the Cardinal.'] You were dreaming. Don't 
you know that you were dreaming! 

Rich. [Aside to de Rohan. ] Is it of interest to you 
that i should have been dreaming? 

RoA. To save yourself from public ridicule, I say yes. 
It is important for you to so declare! 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 37. 

i 

i Ver If you will not admit what you have told was 
© the wild fancy of a dream, I will prefer charges against 
you for treason ! 

Rich. And who will be your witnesses, and what is 
© your proof! 

© Vek. All present are my witnesses. You admit you 
© heard an enemy insult the queen, that she resented the 
© insult and you by your silence and refusal to help her in 
her moment of great need, consented to the insult, thereoy 
aiding* and abetting the enemy, in trying to disgrace the 
que^^n. 

CouN I will Join as a witness and prosecutor. I will 
spend every dollar of my dowry, and if necessary sell my 
jewels to see the traducer of her Majesty's character guil- 
Ifotined. 

Rich. Load me with detestable crimes, I shall not con- 
tradict them, 

Cnun. You are aware, that T know the motive of your 
attack. Jealous Cardinal, you should throw off the robes 
you've long since disgraced. 

Rich. To offend a saintly person in this way — 
CoUN. A lecherous traducer of character. 
Rich. Could you know my grief at seeing myself hu 
miliated in the presence of the king and queen. 
Ver. Oh, dear! 

Rich. The horror I conceive — ray heart is so oppressed 
that I cannot speak. 

CouN. Then dream aloud. I'm sorry that I've not 
long since exposed your hypocrisy. 

Ver. To annoy the queen has been your greatest de- 
light 

Rich. I shall shun the queen and the Louvre in the 
future. I shall not care whether the White Lady or a 
black one comes. I'll not be here. 

RoH, But first make honorable amends for what you 
have said. 

Rich. [To /he Ccuntess,^ It is very sweet, no doubt. 



38. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

to hear those words of reproach that you have inflicted 
upon my ears, from one of whom I've always thought so 
well The happiness of pleasing you was always my 
highest study, and my heart all its warmth in serving a 
good woman that for years has been to me as a mother; 
but by your leave, this heart presumes still to have doubts 
of its own awakening. I may have imagined under the 
influence of a dream, and if I must speak candidly to you, 
I shall trust kind words in return. My conscience has 
assured me of the sincerity of what you have said; and 
flxed in my heart is a firm belief that if I heard what I 
expressed, that my French blood could not restrain my 
hands from strangling the Englishman, while on his knees. 
Yet, it seems that I saw him and heard him say, ''Among 
your many friends, I wish to be the nearest to your heart." 
But if he had said so, I would have choked him. Yet, I 
thought I heard him say, "I mean no offense^ but believe 
me. when the heart is consumed with a noble flame, one 
may, without shame, make a candid avowal of it.'' But 
don't it seem that if I had heard him say such words, that 
he'd die? I thought I heard him say: "I may be allowed 
this freedom, seeing that my heart's choice warrants it;" 
and the queen replied, "you must not promise too much." 
I could not have remained and hear the queen thus in- 
sulted. It must all have beea a dream. Again I thought 
I heard him say: "It is because you do not enter into the 
feeling of a heart too full, alas of tender passion," and the 
queen replied in a tone that carried with it the import of 
true virtue, with a will of firm determination: "Go! leave 
me!" Good Lord, could I have remained as a cowardly 
thief in that closet, and have heard her Majesty thus in- 
sulted and not offer resistance! No! not I. I would die 
first. 

CouN. Eichelieu was never accused of base cowardice. 
It must have been all a dream. 

King. Yes all a dream. 

EoH. A nightmare. 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 39. 



i^NNE, But why were you in the closet? 

King. Yes, why were you in her Majesty's closet! 

K « ] — J_ 

CouN. " — I—;" go on and tell why you were in there 
stowed away like a moth. 

Ver. Cardinal, an explanation is in order! 

Rick. What I did was from a conscientious motive. 

CouN. Oh ! I dare say ! 

Rich. You never preserve moderation in anything. 
You should distinguish between real virtue and its coun- 
terfeit, and never bestow your wrath so hastily; and neve^ 
attack true piety. We lire in an age in which violence 
makes matters worse. 

RoH. Human nature is liable, at times, to create false 
suspicions, and good is often construed into evil. 

Rich. [ Tiiming to Marie de Rohan and bowings taking her 
by the }land.^^ I implore heaven to be propitious enough to 
enable me one day to acknowledge this generous service. 

CoUN. \ To the que en. '\ How irrevereatly this hypo- 
crite uses the name of heaven, his cardinal robes cover all 
that is sacred. 

Anne We live under a God, whom all arts of hypo- 
crites cannot deceive. He bestows lasting glory on his 
children of worth; and his love for sincerity does not close 
his heart to the horror which falsehood must inspire. 

Rich. But since you will not credit anything I say, I 
can not satisfy you. If my explanation offends, so much 
the worse for those who force me to it. 

Anne. Then let the worst come to the one that has 
done wrong. 

Rich. Do not hurry for fear of being mistaken. 
Anne. Tell the king why you were in my closet? 
Rich. Gently! gently! You are too eager. Do you 
wish to victimize me? 

Anne. Were you there by the king's command? 
Rich, No! most sympathetically no! 
King. Well then— 



40. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

EiCH, I tell yau this is all a dream! \^T he ladies all § 

laitghing ] I am in truth all in confusion, and this is no g 

laughing matter. ^ 

Anne. For once I ag:ree with you. g 

EiCH, It is all a dream! It is all a dream! § 

Anne. Did you walk into my closet while under the g 

influence of a dream? ^ 

King. That is the question. ^ 

EiOH. Good heavens! Can I find no shelter from % 
your pursuit? ^ 

Anne. But how can >ou explain and tell the truth 8 
without offending that heaven of which you are always g 
speaking? ® 

Rich. If it be nothing but heaven that opposes the ex- 1 

pression of the truth, it is a trifle for rae to remove such 8 

an obstacle; and that need be no restraint upon my con- § 

science. g 

Anne. Then explain. ® 
Rich. Heaven, it is true, that pleasure forbids certain 
gratification. 

Anne, And j^ou are — 

Rich. Pardon me your Majesty, there is a science 

which loosens that which binds one's conscience, and ^ 

which rectifies the evil of the act with purity of our in- % 

tentions. % 

King. Then explain! \_To Richelieu. ~\ explain! § 

Anne. Yes, explain! ® 

Rich. I tell your Majesty it is all a dream! ® 

All the ladies, laughing. It is all a dream! S 

Bel. The ghost! the ghost! 1 

\ King. Why came thee here Princess de Galilleo! thy § 

^ self-murdered lovable maiden of a century ago. Be thou © 

\ a ghost White Lady, cursed by thy own hand, avenger of 1 

j no wrong! Sent by heaven, and saved from hell! ^n- ® 

\ swer me. Why come thou here each June? Where in ^ 



g WHEN BUCKIIsrGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 41. 

© this castle is thy sepulcher! ivnd why do thou roam 
^ through these halls, and frighten this virtuoui queen? 
y Speak thou, murderess of thy own blood. \ (J host beckons 
G3 the kin^ and points in the opposite direction ] 
© Rich. It beckons you to its sepulcher. Go with it 
@ good Louis and learn of its toouib. 
© KoK. Yes, sire; nothing will harm a king! 
© King. Go, good Cardinal, you are a Godly man. Go 
^ Cardinal, yau are always ready to meet your Lord. If it 
g be an evil spirit, it won't dare harm a cardinal; if it be a 
^ good ghost you will be safe. In any event, heaven 
>^ will direct your steps and protect you. 
i Ghost. Come Cardinal duke that I may cleanse thy 
g blackened soul; separate tliy spirit from thy lecherous 
g body, strip thy hypociisy from thy wit, and expose thy 
g shameful lust, and teach thee to honor the virtuous queen; 
g to serve thy God, as well as thou effect to serve the king! 
g I'll show thee that thy lustful orgies shall seek not grati- 
@ tication, but subjection. Thou art not too old to be saved. 
^ For five score years I've walked these halls— and be- 
S neath its roof in my secret toomb. {^Holding up a cup. \ 
g From this wooden cup I poured the cursed poison that 
i destroyed everything but my soul; thus was I destroyed 
^ by my own hand. As you Louis is now destroying the 
S life of your virtuous queen. 

King. Go away ghost! 

Ghost. Not till the Cardinal-duke swear he'll obey. 
\Ghost appro iicher^.~\ 

All. The ghost! the ghost! 

CURTAIN. 



Act III. 

Scene. Garden of Amiens. 

Lord Holland ana the Duchess de Chev reuse discovered pluck- 
ing roses. 

HoL. It is ethically appropriate that the ball should 



^7jiS^AiiyAii7*sy. 



J 42. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

have opened by Buckingham leading- forth Anne of Aus- g 

3 tria. g 

\ Duc'H. Imagine how jealous King Louis would be, had g 

he been the stately galliard, his noble and graceful form ® 

shone with ineffable splendor. § 

HoL. A notable conti-ast from Louis, § 

DucH. This is the lirst time I ever walked from a ball. A 

HoL. And you seem to enjoy it; the night is so beauti- ^ 

ful. I 

DucH. Buckingham's high-bred carriage admirably S 

sustained all his magnificence of attire. His ''sweet and « 

aecostable manner" doubtless so «^nhanced the dazzling g 

effect of his exterior attractions as to render him irresisti- § 

ble to the young queen. • 

HoL. Do you think she loves him? ^ 

DucH. Loves the Duke of Buckingham? What do @ 

you suppose he secured my good offices for? Certaiidy § 

not to educate a young and inexperienced queen to hate § 

his Grace, the Duke of Buckiagham. § 

HoL. Then he will succeed. Yet, such succe s is dan- § 

gerous The king may cause trouble. It is no small S 

matter to win the affections of another man's wife. S 

DucH. S^Lookino h,u-k ] The queen and his Grace walk § 

slowly, their eyes on the ground, as though conversing © 

privately. % 

HoL. Buckingham is fearless of danger. S 

DucH. You should have seen them when they first % 

met. § 

HoL. He appeared gallant, did he not? 1 

I DucH. He preserved a dignified, yet royal silence, k 

) But the beauty of the young queen fascinated him. | 

) \^Sloivlv wnlkiiio^ exeunt R, passing round pic'kino flowers in © 

J rear of garden. J . @ 

^ Enter L., DiiKE DE Ohevreuse rt-/?^/ Marie de Medici, k. © 

\ Chev. Your Majesty don't seem interested in honoring 1 

^ the young queen? • % 

Med. My son should never have married her. I op- S 



I WHEN BUOKmGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 43. | 

g I 

§ posed the alliauce then; I hate her dow; but I must ap- S 

§ pear as a dutiful queen -in other. ^ 

^ Chkv. It is said Queeu Anne has many lovers? g 

§ Med. The grave Cardinal cherished a mad passion for 

@ the queen. 

Chkv. And does she reciprocate his affections! 

§ Med. 8he hates him. But she loves Buckingham. 

^ C'HEv. I say to you as queen- mother that his morals 

§ hang loosely as his diamonds 

§ Med. 8o much the better. I want to gratify her Maj- 

§ esty's desires, and asso iate her with high-bred courtiers, 

g that wi 1 the sooner ensure h^r separation from the king, a 

g Chev. Does she enjoy the splendor and importance of I 

§ her position as queen-eonsort"? I 

© Med. True, but she is accustomed to royalty. t 

^ Chev. His Gr-ce found a ge ial abettor in the queen's l 

© favorite, the beautiful Marie de Jiohan. I 

® \_Ex^u/i/ to K., passing round and seen in rear gir.ien tvith oth- \ 

© ^rs. ^ 

^ Enter Earl of CARLISLE and .Marte DE Rohan. \ 

® Earl. The queen seems iu love with his Grace. \ 

S Rohan. Yes, she told me that he is the hero of her | 

® iniHgination. \ 

g Earl. His Grace has brought .ill his fascinating § 

® charms into play. \ 

® Ejhan. To me may be attributed his Grace's success. \ 

© Earl. Her estrangement from her consort and her per- \ 

© secution by the queen- mother and Richelieu may have I 

@ operated to produce much of that wilfulness and rashness \ 

m of conduct. I 

S Rohan. 8he long since imbibed the idea of platonic \ 

^ attachment, g 

© Earl. Louis's court ladies are not calculated to pro- \ 

© tect the virtue of thn young queen. t 

KoH. We would be otherwise if she pleased the king. \ 

[£xen/it to R., passing hack to rear of garden \ 

Enter Anne of Austria and t/ie DUKE of Buckingham. \ 



44. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 



Buc. Then your Majesty assures nie that I may hope, g 
Anne. \^Gla}]cino at his face, and smiling.^ You will be % 

content to hope? % 

Bug. Hope is a beautiful word. § 

Anne. Have you forgotten the words in the Good % 

Book: ''Why art thou east down, O my soul, and why art ® 

thou disquieted within me? Hope tiiou in God.^' g 

Buc. is that what you want me to understand"? « 

Anne. Truly; and no more. S^Stcfypino hack.^ I am g 

Anne of Austria; I yield to no man but the king! S 

Buc. An honorable declaration; just what » Imd rea- % 

son to expect from your royal highness. § 

Anne. Then a^k not of me your hopes. S 

Buc. Calm yourself. I was speaking only of plat on- ® 

ic attachments. s 

Anne. And why even of platonic love? ^ 

Buc. Because of your estrangement from the king. g 

Anne. If true, I should be more cautious, and more g 

prudent to keep from the allurements that which have been ^ 

woven about me by people of court, who are supposed to « 

be my protectors. g 

Buc. Do you not desire to subdue the hearts of those © 

you love! § 

Anne. I supposed I accomplished that desire when I @ 

married the king. ® 

Buc. I had reason to believe that you had an affection ® 

for him. © 

Anne. Possibly ladies of my court so informed you. § 

I am not unaware that mischief making and intrigue are g 

to them as the air they breathe. g 

Buc. It is unfortunate. | 

Anne. Yes, unfortunate, that I have not a word to say © 

in selecting the ladies of my court. © 

Buc. Yery unfortunate. © 

Anne. I am watched as a hawk. I have grown weary ^ 

of these guarded demonstrations. g 

Buc, My only intention is to show the tender yet chiv- @ 



k^ 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEK. 45. 



^ alrous interest I entertain for you. 

§ Anne. The tribute which you pay to nature does too 

^ much injury to the rank jou hold; and I must therefore 

® decline to accept its touching favors, 

§ Bug Do not permit caution to sway your judgment, 

§ and destroy the pleasure that this meeting may give us. 

^ Anne, l hen cease to hope for pleasures, which, com- 

§ ing from my heart, show weakness. 

i Buo. Oh! your Majesty! let my eyss indulge in my 

§ heart's delight, and brave all the consequences to which 

^ fate may expose us. [O^i /us kne^s.'] Let our lives yield 

U to the destinies that fate shall produce. 

§ Anne. Seek a better cause for the consolation which 

§ >our heart offers to me; and do not make a weapon of the 

§ fallacy of your argument. 

§ Bug. Let me at least allow my words — 

® Anne. No! my just despair does not know how to re- 

i strain itself. 

i Buo. Let me indulge my affection for you. 

^ Anxe. Nol [ ilready feel the loss which I have sus- 

3 tained. 

g Bug. Give me your love, or I'll bewail what the whole 

universe cannot make good to me. 

Anne. Excuse me, [ IVa/king away from hi/fi] but I have 

given that to the king. 

Bug. [ Reachino out, t.:king ner hands. \ I must have 

some token of hope 

Anne. \_Gently disengaging her hands.'] Though I may 

love you to the depths of my heart, we mist think of tke 

proprieties due to honor and our respective stations in 

life. 

Bug. Proprieties! to the winds! \ Releasing her hands.] 
Anne. Well, you know what the world would say. 

Every eye in the oourt and the castle is on me. I am a 

subject of suspicion, ever watched by a jealous husband 

and an envious queen-mothe r. 

Bug. Because you are not independent. 



46. WHKN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

Anne. An independent queen! Who ever heard of § 
such a queen'? g 

Buc. Then how can I restrain my love? § 

Anne. I regret that I am an object whose crime it is § 
to possess too many charms. g 

Bug. Let your charms hold themselves in readiness to ? 
receive here the new triumph of my conquest. ^ 

Anne. I do not think my conduct the cause of so frank ^ 
an expression of your passion. S 

Bug. I cannot restraiu the truth. 65 

Anne. Then I shall be compelled to incur j^our dis- % 
pleasure, as I canuot submit to your love. ^ 

Buc, You deserve the affection of a man who can re- g 
ciprocate your affection. 

Anne. I thank you for favoring me with the honor of E 
your confidence. {^Making a low Iww.^ @ 

Bug I am not seeking to tempt you by allurements; g 
only to express my love. g 

Anne. \^M(nunQ her hanih.^ I will not listen to your g 
temptations. 

Bu<^. I have no motives but what are actuated by f»n 
honorable passion for you. 

Anne. I shall strive to merit respect from all the 
world. 
I Buc, T want to serve you! 
I Anne. No, that canuot be. Though you may be ^n- ® 
I chanted by what you term my charms, you must forget ^ 
I that we ever met. % 

I Buc. You may as v/ell command the sun to stand still g 
I in the meridian, as to ask me to forget you. 1 

> Anne. I fear you have courted too many hearts, to \ 

> idealize one. § 
\ Bug. \^On one knee, in a beseeching ivav.^ Where is % 
^ there a lover, so anxious to please? One who is your ® 
^ captive, and ever ready to bow to your will. g 
5 Anne. Were I a princess again, and ready to choose ^ 
\ amongst all the monarchs and dukes of the world, I would g 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 47. 

I - _ 

^ select one who bears the highest ma^k^^ of nobleness. 
[^ BiJC Then 1 would again not meet your favor, [^ansi//o,^ 
^ An.xE. My choice would be within my reach. 1 would 
^ climb to the summit of a mountain and exclaim to the 
® world that my choice is his Grace the Duke of Bucking- 
§ ham. 

g Bic, [Gfoi^o tohrr, faking hf^r hands.'] Believe me, your 
© Majesty, to find one's self favored beyond one's hopes, is 
@ a happiness which makes one wretched. 

1 Anne. Wretched! 

@ Buc. Wretched! bee H use when one fears he can never 

^ attain such a gift. 

§ Anne, To have a lover of exalte<l worth, and to see 

S one's self dearly belove<l by him, is a happiness that an 

§ ill-fated queen may envy. 

I 

® Buc Let me find the means of breaking your union 

g with the king, i^s you had no voice in the contract, you 

® did not consent, and without your consent tliere could be 

® no marriage. 

g Anne. tSpeak not thus. 

g Buc. Unsatisfied passions are what drives a man mad! 

g Anne. In vain for you ever to hope for more. 

2 Buc. Shall 1 be compelled to hide within my breast, 
g that invisible something that always burnsf 

g Anne. Your Excellency must now go, and tomorrow, 
g if I can, you shall see me more happy. 
^ Buc. I will swear to you that I have no other delight 
^ than to see you happy. 

§ Annk. \_Lai/ghing.'\ You conceive no other wish than 
^ to mould my devotion to your desire. 

g Buc. \_(y-oing toivaid he?\'\ How comes it that a cloud 
seems to dim your eyes? 

Anne. Because I can not concede your indulgence. 

Buc Do you refuse the love I offer you? 

Anne. You are aware of ray incumbrance. 

Buc. I shall hope for more sighs of love than of grief. 



48. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 



Annk. I fear your hopes are all in vain. § 

Buc. When the passion of two hearts is the same, have ^ 

they different throbs! And when one loves sincerely, g 

aad beholds the object of his love, can he think of mar- f 

riage ties? § 

Anne. It is that which aflfliits me. ® 

"Hi 

Buc. How little do yon know of a heart entirely yours! ^ 

Anne. Perhaps, knowing it, I am in danger of incur- g 
ring your displeasure. a 

Buc. Do you pretend lo know how absolute your en- S 
chautment is over mel If yo:i doubt it, be deceived. 8 

Annk. [//^/ hand upwa/i' ~\ f am within the king's § 
commands. § 

Buc. I hold myself in readiness for your commands. ; 
If to convince you of my sincerity, 1 swear, I swear by © 
your lovely eyes, those masters of my soul; those divine 
authors of my love, that I will be true to you. This being 
the last time I can meet you in private, permit me to em- 
brace you. [Pldiing his arms about htr. ] 
Anne. S^^tru ogling. '\ Help! help! Bellario, where are 
you? 

Enter BELLA RIO and CoUN PESS LaNNOI. 

Bel. SJ)rawing his sword 1 Here! how dare you! 
[ The same moment rhe Duke discovers Bellario coming and lets 
the queeti loose. ] 

Buc. [ Draiving his sword, ^ I meant no harm to the 
queen. 

[ They fence an it fight. ] 

Enter Hor.LAND, c, running. 

HoL. Stop this! Have your Grace forgotten yourself! 
The Minister of England fighting a French Equerry! 

CoUN. [ To the Di/ke.'] It is not our custom to act as 
you are doing. 

Buc. Madame, I am not a Frenchman. Neither am I 
bound by your laws. 

Enter MADAME DE VeRNAY, C. 
Ver. If you do not quit our presence, Til have the 



S WHEl^ BUCKmGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 49. 



^ 



equerry run his sword through you. 

Bug. I am madly iu love with the queen. 

Ver. Your action is louder than your words. 

Anne. Your Grace should blush with shame. 

Ver. King Oharks made an unfortunate selection 
when he sent you to safely conduct Henrietta, the young 
bride, to him. 

Anne. I insist on your quitting my presence. Leave 
France immediately. 

Bel. \^A(h>ancino \ It is my duty to kill you 

Anne. {Running between themS\ Duke, retire, lest you 
compromise me! 

Bug. Shall I run as a coward? 

Anne, Yes, or as a villain. 

[ Exit Buckingham. 

Anne. \_Turnino t(' Bc/lario and Mcidame de Varney.~\ I 
blame you for having quitted me. 

Ente^ Earl of Kingston, c. 

Earl. [To Beilario.'] I say. Chappie! Couldn't you 
protect the queen? 

Bel. I did protect her Majesty. 

Earl. Good! I knew you to be noble fellow. If I 
were here I would have killed the Duke, though he be my 
friend. 

Ver. What a noble Earl! 

Earl. I am an unappreciated genius. 

Bel. Gracious! 

Earl. I would have killed him. [^Drawing his cane to 
Bei/ario.'] I say — Chappie, I say! which way did Buck- 
ingham go? I will at least case him for I am able. 

\_Exit Earl. 

Re-enter DUCKESS DE CheVREUSE. 

Di'GH. What is the matter? 

Anne. [ Turning gaickty.'] Oh, nothing. The Duke of 
I Buckingham had suddenly left me alone; and I was ter- 
I rifled on finding myself in so unusual a position. 

DucH. Without considering the alarm which such an 



50. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

act would uecessarily occasion, you cried aloud. § 

Bel. Aloud! in order to summon me to her presence. ^ 

How unthoughtful in me to drop so far behind. § 

Veb. Talking love to me. i 

Bel. Hearing your sweet words. § 

HoL. 1 am surprised that his Grace should be so care- ® 

less of a roval charge. § 

I Anne. Possibly my fault. E stepped aside to pick a ^ 
I rose. \^Looking al^oui.l^ I thought I had one in my hand § 
I when I cried aloud. @ 

I DUCH. Where is Buckinghatn! g 

I Ver. ^Looking li'ith pit'dsi/iii ex/)n's.<i(>;i.'] I think he is g 
I gone to find the rose her highness lost. g 

I Bel. Gallant Duke, that failed to respond to the 
I queen's cry of distress! § 

I Ver. If I should be lost in this great garden and cry 
I for help, you [t.> Bell rrU?^ would come? 
) Bel. Yes, my dear madame; but I am a Frenchman. 
) DucH. Perhaps his Grace thought the cry was caused 
) by the coming of the king? 
) Anxe. Then he should await his coming. g 

) Ver. Buckingham has had some experien3e with the q 
) coming of husbands S 

) Bel. [7vr^'d'/;///i^.] I w^ould have killed him. ® 

} Anne. [Surprised.'] What is that you say! 1 

) [All stirprisrd ] @ 

\ Bel I would have killed any one who would harm § 
\ your Majesty. g 

\ [^A7/ Queen ^z«6? Countess. % 

\ HoL. [Angrily.] It is your duty to remain with her g 
\ Majesty. | 

§ DuGH. If the Duke had stayed with you! [Knowing © 
\ ivink\ you would have been safe. § 

I DucH. I was with a pleasure party walking on the © 
\ bank of the Loire; it was about this time in the evening. ® 
I By chance the model Duke and I dropped back, and I— g 
\ Bel. What did you do? i 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUBBK. 51. 


® DucH. I screamed just like her Majesty did. 

I HOL. Indeed! 

I Dur-H. Indeed, I did. 

§ HoL, Were you not safe! 

i DucH. Sure! 

@ Bel. Why did you scream? 

i DuoH. Because I was so safe I couldn't get loose. 

@ HoL, Then how were you «afe? 

p DucH. Safe within the arms of the Duke of Bucking- 

^ ham. 

i Bel. Is he thus afflicted! 

I DucH What do you mean! 

® Bel. [" Blank look at tke ground. '\ I forget. 

i H<iL. Afflicted with cramps in his arms, your Majesty; 

§ cramps in his arms. \^Laiighing.^ 

% DucH. The cramps are dangerous when there are only 

§ two together, but not of a kind. 

® Enter Countess of Lannoi. 

^ CoUN. I saw her Majesty struggling in the arms of the 

\ Duke of Buckingham. I ran to your assistance. 

® CouN. The brave Bellario put him to flight. I do be- 

g lieve he is -till running. 

Hoi,. Your Majesty must have been excited. 
CouN. The Duke acknowledged no fear, he recognized 
no peril; his soul was absorbed in one passion, and he 
deemed no sacrifice too great to insure his success. 

DucH. It was but the Duke's expression of passionate 
attachment for you. 

CouN. Her Majesty is susceptible of tenderness for the 
man who adores her, but it must be owned that her love 
for purity and propriety prevailed. 

HoL. She knew that she could not listen to the impor- 
tunity of his fervent suit without sharing morally in its 
guilt. 

DacH. And that cry? her Majesty exhibited her wis- 
dom, preferring unsullied innocence and self-respect rather 
than to yield to the suggestions of fear which first pos- 



52. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

sessed her, lest lier cry of distress, coming to the ears of 
the king, might cost her much sorrow. 

Earl Wliat is the matter, Bellario? 

Bel. How can I excuse myself to the king for not run- 
ning my sword through Buckingham ! 

HoL. Jn*t tell his Majesty that as the party was re- 
turuin'4 by maorilight fro.n the banquet and ball, to their 
lodging by the Somme, the hour being yet early, the fresh 
air of a balmy night invited a stroll among the fragrant 
garden shrubberies before retiring; that being satisfied 
that her Majesty was old enough to take care of herself; 
you took Madame de Verniy in a ramble by the riverside 
that you had just placed your arm about the madame, 
when you heard her Majesty cry aloud; you ran and was 
at your place of duty ere any harm betell her Majesty. 

i£xit Duke de Chevreuse. 

Ver. How dare you suggest such an act of impropriety 
on my part! 

HoL. Because what I say is true, madame. 

Yer. Did you see the equerry's arm about my waist? 

HoL. I did, madame. If I thought the act unusual, 
I would not have mentioned it. Do you deny it? 

Ver. Certainly not; being that you kaow. 

HoL. Well? 

Ver. Do you deny that at the same moment, behind 
that trellis-work, that you kissed and embraced the Duch- 
ess de Chevreuse? 

HoL. Hush! woman, her husband will hear you! Cer- 
tainly I do not deny, ^/oia voice'\ being that you know. 

Ver. I have been a lady-in-waiting for many years 
and this is the rtrst time I ever heard it intimated that a 
little kissing and hugging is objectionable. 

HoL. it is rather expected of us in England. 

Ver. It is not so bad here in France. But it is not 
mentioned, and ofttimes encouraged. \_Turning quickly.^ 
Do you see that tall elm tree. 

HoL. Yes, excuse me, I will return in a moment, 

{Exit Lord Holland. 







© 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEK. 53. 

© Vkk. \^addre.ssing the others. '\ Some years ago I saw a 
© FreDch equerry embrace and kiss an English countess, be- 
© neath that tree. 
© Enter Lord Holland and the queen 

Hoi,. Your Majesty, the Duke of Buckingham desires 
to make an apology, for his conduct, which he fears you 
may construe as an act of rudeness. 
Anne. I will gr ut his request. 
HoL. He asks that the interview be private. 
CouN. [ The old lady of honor. ^ I cannot consent. 
Bel. I shall see that her Majesty shall never again 
have reason to find fault with my lack of duty. 

HoL, Well, in your presence, but not in your hearing. 
CoUN. We will retire, bat remain in sight. 

{^Exeunt all hut the QUEEN. 
Enter BUCKNIGHAM. 
BUC. \_Drop/)irtg on one knre, kls>ing the hand of the queen.'] 
Your Majesty cannot conceive my huiuiliation. My love 
for you knows no restraint. 

Anne, Hush ! your expressions of love are too im- 
passioned. 

Bug. It is but the uncontrollable flow of nature. Sha'l 
I hope? 

Anne. My greatest hope is in your heart. 
Bug. As for my heart, you may be assured of that. 
Sigh no more; lest I cause to be suspected of more tender- 
® ness than becomes man. 

% Anne. I cannot but be happy, when I have your sup- 
© port. I wish I were a peasant's daughter, and you a 
© shepherd's son. 
% Bug. I wish it were thus. 

§ Anne. I am going to try everything to see our sweet- 
% est wishes fulfilled, and if all my efforts do not make me 
S yours, there exists a retreat where the soul can fly to. 
1 Buc. May a just heaven forbid that I should ever re- 
@ ceive such a proof of your affections! 
g Anne. You speak softly, but you do not know how 



54. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THP] QUEEN. | 

your presence endangers me. 1 am fond of tranquility; a § 

terriV)le tempest rages within me. I have a presentiment g 

that the jealousy of the king will induce him and Kiche- g 

lieu to come tonight In such an event I d© not know p 

where I C( nid hide you. ^ 

Bug. Come, this is mere fright. His Majesty's power ^ 

over you is based onl\ on your weakness. p 

Anne. 1 know but little of the outside world. I have ^ 

been raised as a flower. g 

Bug. You have beauty of soul which time cannot reap § 

It inspires me with love; the thought to which my wishes S 

shall ever tend. g 

Anne. 1 understand you. I am not willing to yield. ^ 

Bug. Your charms possess my whole heart! 

Anne. Marriage establishes such sacred rights, that % 

sooner than burn the flame of another passion, one should k 

lose one's life. ^ 

Bug. Do you regard it wrong, to do what the pride of ® 

your heart has commanded you! I only obey its com el 

I mands. § 

I Anne. All your attentions and afflictions avail nothing ® 

I with me. ® 

I Bug, Give me, then, some pledge of your regard — § 

I some object which has once been yours, to satisfy me that g 

I I have not been indulging in a dream — something that you 1 

I have once worn, and that I may wea: ; a ring, a bracelet, a 

\ or a chain! S 

) Anne. And will you go! g 

j Bug. Yes. ^ 

j Anne. Immediately? i 

^ Bug. Yes. § 

I Anne You will quit France? 1 

J Bug. Yes, I swear I will. © 

) Anne. [^Looking back while unfastening the shoulder-hnot "] @ 

J Here! here! keep this as a memorial of me. ® 

Bug. \ Sinking upon his knees. ^ @ 
: ©©©© ®®®® ©©®©©©®@^S©IBMii:CtMC^^®®®® ®©®®®®©®©®©®®®©1 



g WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEK. 55. 

i , 

® Anne. You promised me to go. 

§ Bug. 1 take it, but regret it is not something which 
§ can be worn over the heart. 

® Anne. Leave France immediately. You will com- 
§ promise me, and it may cost you your life. Go at once. 
Bug. And 1 will keep my word! Your hand, madame, 
§ and I leave you. [ Turning; iter head in the opposite direction^ 
§ extending her hand; Buchi gJiain presses nis lips passionately to 
% her h.md ] I will return again and see you. How can I 
% leave you! 

% Anne. Go, I say! the Queen of France cannot fly. 
% Bug. Can J see you no more? 

§ Anne. Now go! We are suspected. Bellario will in- 
§ form Richelieu, and he will have you murdered. \^Loo]i- 
% ing dack.^ It is the Countess de Lannoi's duty always to 
@ remain with me. She is the confidante of the king, and 
i she IS zealous in his service. Go, go, I say! 
i Bug, I can't leave you. 

i Anne. Go, or in self-preservation I will call the (>oun- 
tess and Bellario. 

Bug. [^Kissino her hand.^ Good-bye, my love. I leave 
my heart with you. 

Anne. [Surpris d.^ What! shedding tears? 
Bug. Tears, the melting effusions of my mind, the 
burning heat of my passion-. 

Anne. Now go! follow this large road down to the 
river side, then turn to the left. 

Bug. Adieu! [^Kissing her hand,~\ 

\_Exit Duke, l. 
[^Exil Queen, r. 
Enter the DUKE of Chevreuse and Marib DB Medigi. 
Chev. \^To de Medici.'] This conduct is not calculated 
to win the affections of the king. 

Med. As queen-mother I shall do nothing to soothe 
the estrangement existing between the royal pair. 

Chev. The queen regards her English lover with no 
impartial eyes. 



56. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

Med. Nothing criminal. 

Chev. That attachment, at least of mind, which ap- 
pears so lovely and is so dangerous, seems to have been 
encouraged by the queen. 

\_The sound of horses hoofs appro cic'hing.~\ 

Med. What means tliis midnight coming of horses? 

Bel 'Tis now past tliat hour! 

HoL. Gom\ng \_ui/ looki/ig m one i/ireclioN']t\\\^ Way. 

Enfer the Q een, 
Med. Great heavens! how unfortunate. 
Anne. Nay, answer; \_risi//i^ who is it?~\ 
Bel It is Richelieu an<l tiie king. 
Anne. What, the king! 
All. Long live the king! ! 
Enter the king and Richelieu ndin^^ tt(j.> I irge Hack horses, sad- 
dies and l^ndles trimnud in gold. 

CURTAIN 



Act IV, 



Scene I. — In the Louvre. • ] 

\_King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu discovered, the king i 

standing by a mantel^ the Cardinal sitting by a table. ] i 

King. You have no faith in my assurance of the i 

queen's innocence. ' 

Rich. None whatever. I am not inclined to give the ' 
queen any credit for the preservation of a virtue which is 

dependent upon the watchfulness of those by whom she is ' 
surrounded. 

King. How did your Eminence learn that Anne of 

Austria gave the shoulder- knot to Buckingham? j 

Rich. Your Majesty has forgotten that the Countess ] 

Lannoi, my zealous spy, always keeps her eye on the ' 

\ queen. After the return of the royal suite from the gar- ' 

\ den of Amiens, and being informed by the Countess of the ' 

\ gift to Buckingham, I instructed the Countess to inform 



g WHE:N^ BUCKmOHAM MET THE QUEEK. 57. 

© 

® her Majesty that a diamond shoulder-knot was missing 
§ from the small rosewood casket, and to watch the effect 
§ of the question on her Majesty'^ countenance. 
I King. Well! then did she inquire of her Majesty^ 
g Rich. The Countess went immediately to her Majesty's 
g room, and informed her of the loss of the diamond shoul- 
® der-knot, which her Majesty recently presented to her. 
^ King. Well, then! what was the effect on the queen! 
§ Rich. Her IJajesty appeared uneasy at the news, 
§ calmed herself, and as if starting with much surprise, she 
^ exclaimed: "Ah! I have it; in awkwardly handling the 
g shoulder-knot, the evening before I broke one of the 
§ studs. I sent it to the jeweler's to be repaired. 
§ King. Did your Eminence send to the jeweler to as- 
h certain whether that is true or not! 
© Rich. I did, your Majesty. 
i King. Well! and the goldsmith— 
® Rich. The goldsmith had heard nothing about it. 
M King. Good! I have no doubt but that the genius of 
© your Eminence — 

® Rich. Discovers all the follies of the queen. 
S King. It was just what I was about to say. 
^ Rich. I have also learned that the Duchess de Chev- 
@ reuse las escaped from Tours, and the vigilance of the 
g police. If she is here she will be intriguing for Bucking- 
ham, and intermediator between Buckingham and the 
queen. 

KiiVG. Possibly that is the reason which caused Buck 
g inghara to stop at the Duchess's house. 

I Rich. Every move by Buckingham is actuated by a [ 
I motive. I 

I King. Your Eminence must analyze his motives. t 

I Rich. Before you exiled the Duchess to Tours, the c 
I Duchess and Marie de Rohan were together more than I 
5 usual. They were seemingly more friendly and compan- ^ 
I ionable than ever before, ^ 



! 58. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. I 



KrNG. An ass(>ciation made harmonious by English g 

gold. I 

Rich. 1 he joiut asso:^iation of Rohan and the Duchess § 

would make the access of Buckingham to the apartments ^ 

of the queen a matter of ease. ^ 

King. I have been informed that the Duchess de Chev- ® 

reuse and the Duke of Buckingham were seen together in ^ 

the palace, m 

Rich. T have no positive information upon that point, g 

King. Do you think Ann*- of Austria loves mel ^ 

Rich. 8ne loves you not. § 

King, I feel that 1 am in her affections. ^ 

Rich. Love offers naught bat what is agreeable; but § 

it drags horrible troubles after ii; and if you wish to pass 

your days in peace, ever defend yourself from its darts, as ^ 

from evil. U 

King. Your suspicions may not be justified. Oh! © 

you wise cardinal! g 

Rich. When .Vladame de Linnoi discovered the dis- § 

appearance of the diamond shoulder knot from the queen'?; ® 

casket, I lost not an instant in writing to one of the ladies § 

of Charles's court, who is in my interest, offering to pre- © 

sent her with tittj/ thousand livres if she should succeed g 

in cutting away a couple of the tags of the shoulder-knot, g 

the first time that Buckingham appeared with it in public, ® 

and forward them forthwith by a safe messenger to me. @ 

King. \_A/ixious\^ And your success? § 

Rich A fortnight afterwards the two tags were in my 1 

possession. The Duke had worn the shoulder knot at a § 

state ball, and my emissary had cut aw^ay a couple of its i 

pendants unobserved, and \^opening a suuill case from under | 

his coat'\ here they are! S^Qioating laugh. ~] % 

King. Thoughtful Cardinal! \ examining the diam>nd~.'\ g 

The same that I gave the queen so recently. How quickly % 

she forgot my goodness. g 

Rich. The queen is within our toils, your Majesty. g 

King, What will we do to prove her disloyalty? g 



I WHE:N^ BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 59. 
i 

g Rich. l^Cuhn/y ruhbin^^ his hanis.~\ Expose her, gently, 

I gently! 

§ King. Id what way! 

§ Rich. Any way, so it will be gentle and nice. 

§ King. You are my adviser. It is for you to say. 

§ htiCH. It being her tirst oflence, (I mean that we are 

g sure of) I suggest that you give a grand ball tomorrow 

§ night. That will be too short a time to send to England 

g for the jewels, and on the rise of the sun tomorrow morn- 

§ ing you inform the queen that she must attend the ball i» 

^ couri costume wearing the shoulder knot. 

% King. A grand ball of giddiness, wliich attracts but 

§ to destroy; what fascination dwells within its whirl. 

§ \^Sioppiug sJiort^a^ ijh\ aiiof her idea. ^ And if she appears 

% without them, what then'? 

§ Rick. \_Rubbiiig his han Is.^^ Expose her! expose her 

I gently! before all the public at the ball. Oh, this will be 

% so gentle! 

i King. I will inform the queen that a ball, given by the 

© civil magistrates at the town-hall, will take place tomor- 

1 row night; and I will request her that, in order to com- 

i pliment both myself and the magistrates, she shall appear 

§ wearing the shoulder-knot which I lately presented her. 

1 R CH. Capital, your Majesty, I could not suggest any 

i better; capital ! You have it right. \^Aside J Eight and 

g forty hours, which are yet to intervene before vengeance 

^ can be accomplished, are seemingly a century to me. 

^ Anne of Austria will be in my toils. 

^ King. The queen may be possessed of the power to 

® defeat your ingenuity. 

© Rich. No, never; she stands alone. She has not the 

© time, nor the opportunity, to re- possess herself of the 

© jewels. 

g King. But Buckingham is in Havre. 

® Enter MaRIE DE MediCI. 

® N'ED. Your Majesty must not forget the conduct of his 

g Grace, the Duke of Buckingham at the masked ball at the 



^ 60. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. j 







Hotel de Chevreuse. 

KrNG. I do not forget my virtuous mother. But I 
cannot believe my wife is in lore with a loathed enemy. 

Mf:d. The salient topic of court gossip on the follow- 
ing day was the various disguises assumed by Backing- i 
ham during the festivities at the Hotel de Chevreuse. ® 
Rich. It aroused ni.\ suspicions and doubled my vigi- § 
lance; I readily guessed that the intriguing Duchess was U 
the coutidante and accomplice of his Grace's mad passion, a 
Med. Yonr vigilant surveillance rendered the Duke's S 
approach so difficult that he resolved to attempt other § 
means of seeing the queen once at least in private. § 
King. Were you aware of this at the time? § 
Med. Not until after his departure ® 
RcH. Surely not; the good mother would have frus- ^ 
trated his attempt. @ 
Med. I learn that at a time subsequent to the ball the g 
queen was to introduce him into her apartments in the q 
garb of a monk. g 
1 Rich. Here isa piece of strategy after the Duchess's ja 
I own heart. © 
I Med. Through the expert agenc-y of the Duchess de g 
I Chevreuse this wild scheme may be actually accomplished, g 
I I have told you of the unfortunate scene that occurred in © 
I the garden in Amiens. © 
[ King. [iT^/w/^/] Mother! I 
j Rich. Your virtuous mother tells the truth. ^ 
I Enter Countess of Lan/ioi. § 
I (yOUN. Yes, your virtuous mother tells the truth. § 
I King. \^In great rage. ^ What did I have you there 1 
\ for? A lady of honor to the qu*^en should ever be with | 

\ ^^^- % 

\ CoUN. I was not out of her sight. Your Majesty ac- g 

^ cuses me v/rongfully. ® 

\ King. Quick! go on! tell me all, S 

3 Med. His Grace as a monk had scarcely been closeted 1 

\ with the queen five minutes, ere an alarm was raised of g 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEK. 



^ 



the approach of Louis the Just, aud the Duke was forced 
to beat a rapid retreat. 

KiCH. His religious garb did not conceal his identity 
in departing. 

King I had no suspicions. I placed firm faith in the 
man's being a monk. He appears as England's prince 
minister as a ghost, and as a monk. Will he appear next 
as a goaf? 

Rich. I was not so easily deceived, I discovered that 
the advent of the monk was only another device of th« 
Duchess to aid Buckingham in accomplishing his purpose. 

King. And what then? 

EicH. [ 7{? the king. ] The queen was saved. 

CouN. And by my vigilance! I innocently thought 
the monk was the White Lady in disguise. If I had sup- 
posed the intruder was none other than the Duke of Buck- 
ingham, the garden scene in Amiens would never have 
happened. 

Mmd. Nothing unpardonable happened in the garden. 

Rich. No, nothing but the levy of the queen and the 
audacity of Buckingham that reached a climax. \_C/iuck- 
ling /augh ] 

Med. The garden in Amiens was found to be a delight- 
ful exchange for the dull and formal restrictions in the 
halls of this p lace. 

Rich. No excuse, no excuse! 

CouN. After the rich banquet at Amiens, the ball was 
opened by Buckingham leading forth the queen. His no- 
ble and graceful form shone with ineffable splendor. 

King. Ineffable splendor! ineff ible splendor! all the 
court ladies, even a woman like you, old enough to be his 
grandmother, is boasting of his beauty. 

Rich. I am informed that he was girded for conquest 
in his famous white suit of "uncut velvet." 

Med, True; literally blazing with diamonds. 

C©un. Over which he wore the collars and badges of 
the Garter, St. Esprit, the Golden Fleece, and the order of 



^ 



62. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

St George. 

King. \^[nragcd'\ Why torture me thus! 
Med. His ''sweet aud accostable manners" — 
OouN. So enhanced the dazzling: effect of his exterior 

attractiveness as to render him irresistible with each one g 
with whom he "trod a measure." 

King. Did Anne of .Vustria fail to resist him? § 

Med. She did, my son; though he had sliown her the % 

tender yet chivalrous interest of an adventurous and high- % 

minded lover. m 

King. \_Pii^l'no his ha/r.^ A lover ! did I understand § 

my virtuous mother to say that the Duke of Buckingham ^ 

is my consort's high-minded lover"? Anne of Austria, my § 

wife, France's qu^en, has ihe Duke of Buckingham, the 

mutton-chop Englishman, for a lover. And this informa- ^ 

tion brought tome by my own virtuous mother, Marie % 

de Medici. Impossible! § 

Med. Your Majesty! \/fi grmt fagr.^ g 

King I want to hear no more. I want to hear no g 

more! . § 

COUN. I — i 

King. You, — why did you not remain with the queen? ^ 

CouN. Lord Holland and the Duke de Chevreuse took % 

their way by the queen aud Buckingham. The equerry, p 

Madame de Vernay and myself kept our seats from a feel- g 

ing of delicacy toward our royal mistress. When we saw « 

Buckingham lead her royal highness to the right by a high ^ 

trellis-work, and Lord Holland turned to the left in a di- i^ 

viding walk, they all disappeared, and we all r^n, and had § 

barely started when we heard the virtuous queen cry -^ 

aloud. Bellario, the equerry w^ould have run his sword 1 

through Buckingham; but, though he deserved death, her © 

royal highness spared his life. g 

Med. True, your Majesty; the queen was agitated. ^ 

I She blamed Bellario and Madame de Vernay for having ® 

\ quitted her. ® 

\ Rich. La«t night the queen was up very late. § 



g VVHE]^ BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 63. 

© ___^ t 

u I 

g King. That confirms it! writing to Buckingham. Car- > 

^ diual, I must have her letters. i 

^ EiCH. But how are we to get them, sira? l 

^ King. Ransack her chests, and if necessary search her 

^ person. 

§ R[CH. No, not the aui;ast spouse of your Majesty 

§ Anne of Austria, Queen of France. 

§ Kfng. I tell you she loves the Duke of Bnckingham! 

^ Why did I not arrest him while he was here in Paris? 

§ Rich. Arrest the Duke! arrest the prime minister of 

§ Charles I! Think, sire, — what a horrible scandal! 

^ King. But if he exposes himself to it — 

§ Rich. Never, sire! that would not do. 

§ King. It was to the Duke the queen was writing all 

§ night! Cardinal, I must have those letters. 

^ Rich. Sire, and yet — 

g King. Cardinal, at whatever cost, I must have them. 

§ Rich. I would observe to your Majesty, however — 

§ King. Are you in league with the Englishman, Mad- 

§ ame de ("hevreiise and the queen! 

§ Rich. 8ire, I thought myself far removed from sus 

§ picion. I 

® King. I will have those letters. ^ 

^ Rich. There can be only one way. § 

i King. What is that? I 

© Rich. The keeper of the seals, with your commission, e 

© This matter wholly belongs to his office. I 

© King. Let him be sent for immediately. \ 

g Rich. I will attend to that. I 

g King, Let him [/// a/igf/-^ be sent for instantly. ( 

g Rich. Your Majesty's order shall be executed, but— ( 

© King. But what? i 

® Rich. But the queen may perhaps refuse to obey. ( 

g King. '1 he order of the king! i 

I Rich. Your MajegJty will not forget that I have done < 

© all I could to prevent a rupture. ( 

g King. O God! were I happy, and could love the queen, < 



64. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 



ah, how ambitious I would be. 

Rich. The substance of ambition is merely the veil of 
a dream. 

King. It is th*^ veil, that hides beneath the veil. 
[ Tuniifig quickly ] Now send for the chancellor, and the 
queen. 

Enter (CHANCELLOR. 

Chan. [Bowing.^ 8ire, I am at your service. 

King. Write a royal edict, consigning Anne of Aus 
tria to a convent, to remain there duiing the pleasure of 
the king! 

Eater AnNE of AUSTRIA. 

Anne. Sire, what is this [ hear? 

\^Ch(incenor writing.'] 

King. I have ordered the chancellor to prepare a royal 
edict as;signing you to a convent there to remain at the 
pleasure of the king! 

Chan. Sire, the decree is ready for your royal signa- 
ture. 

Anne. \^Appeahng/y.] Great heavens! 

King. \_Signs the paper ^ gives it to the chaficellor^ who looks 
at the signature. ] 

Anne. \_Spring$ forward^ grabs the paper, tears it into pieces] 
I defy the king of France! I am Anne of Austria! 
[ Throwing up her arms. ] 

CURTAIN 

\_ Quick change.] 

Scene II. Private apartments of the queen. Queen Anne 

of Austria discovered. 

Anne. \^Looking over the jewels ] Jewels from many 
friends. I am queen of many hearts and empress of many 
souls. 

Enter B ELL ARK). 

Bel. The king. 

Enter the KiNG. 
King. Madame, there will be a ball at the city hall. 



g WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 65. 

© _____^_______^_^__ 

g I desire that, to honor our worthy magistrates, you will 

^ be present in full dress, and be adorned by the shoulder- 

H knot of diamonds which 1 recently gave you on your birth - 

I day. 

® Anne. \_Su//>/ /set/, gazing tU the king with terrified eyes,^ 

Q Yes, sire. 

^ King. You will be present at this ball? 

§ Anne. Yes. 

§ King. Wearing the diamond shoulder-knot? 

§ Anne, Yes, sire 

§ King. This is the only purpose of my visit. [ Abou^ 

% to reliie. ] 

® ANNE. Sire, on what day will this ball take placel 

© King. On tomorrow night, if it pleases the Cardinal. 

% Anne. The Cardinal. Do you consult him about balls? 

i King. I will ask the Cardinal about it. 

i Anne. It was the Cardinal, then, who suggested to 

^ give this entertainment? 

S Klng. The (Cardinal. 

i Anne. And was it he who told you to require me to 

® appear wearing the diamond shoulder knot? 

i King. That is to say, madame — 

® Anne. It was he, sire, it was he! 

1 King. Well, what does it signify, whether it was the 

1 Cardinal or myself? Is there any harm in the request? 

© Anne No, sire. , 

© 

© K NG. Then you will go? 

% Anne. I will be pleased to serve you, [- isin^, taking his 

§ hmd and kissing it, and bowing'] the king of France! 

© King. Then you will take pleasure in honoring me in 

© the way I request? 

® Anne. As a true and virtuous subject I'll always obey 

1 the king. 

® King. Naj^, do not think I flatter, for what favor may j 

® I hope from you, who has for me not the slightest regard. ] 

1 No, I have no sweetened tongue to soothe the heart that | 



^ 



I m. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. { 

§ beats for another, since your hea-rt is mistress of its choice; i 

§ go to him for relief, whose passions so well commingle. c 
g xVnne. No, I prefer the man that is n tpass ou's slave, 
i and I will cherish him in my heart, ay! in my heart aud 

§ soul ! p 
i K[NG. False woman, [ hear too much of these false 

§ appeals; if by voice you fail to confess your guilt, do not ^ 

1 30ur eyes, uneducated to deceit, as your tongue, betray U 

§ the silent tlioughts of your brain. Give heedful warning, g 

p for mine eyes reads your thoughts in your face m 

g Anne My heart, has not lost its first love. O, Lord, © 

@ let not ever temptation enter this bosom; I may be weak, ^ 

§ but not untrue. My tongue and soul shall ever be friends; ^ 
g break not seals nor vows. 

1 King. \^Depariing J Madame, you are about to receive ® 

S a visit from the chancellor, who will make known to you (^ 

1 certain commands with which I have charged him. g 

1 Anne. But why his visit, sire? What can the chan- ^ 

® cellor have to say which your Majesty could not tell me? © 

I [i5'ji7V King. i 

® That monster, custom, which all sense doth hate such g 

g an act, blurs all peace and happiness, and caused even a g 

® blush of modesty to mantle the hypocrite's face; it takes g 

i off the rose that shines from the fair brow of innocent love, g 

® sets at naught all tiner feeling; makes marriage vows as ® 

S false as a libertine's oath. ® 

S Bel. The Chancellor. ® 

§ Enter the CHANCELLOR g 

® Chan. \_Sj?iih''ig antnyowin^i^. \ Your Majesty. © 

© Anne. Ri-ing haughtily.^ What do you want, sir; and g 

i for what do you come here? | 

^ Chan. To make, madame, in the king's name, and § 

S without prejudice to the respect which I entertain for your § 

® Majesty, and exact examination of all your papers © 

1 Anne. What sir! an examination of my papers— of g 

® mine! Truly, it is a most disgraceful act! ^ 

g Chan. Deign to pardon me, madame; but in this affair § 



^ WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 67. 



§ I am oQly an iustrument which the king uses. 
^ An sE. Search, then sir. I am, it seems, a criminal. 
I [ 7i^ her maid. ] Estefania, give up the keys, {^She does so; 
^ the ckanrellor searched the drawer s,'\ 

© Chan. [ Turning to the queen.'] Now, 1 must make the 
principal search, 

Annk. \^Surprised.] And what is that! 
CaAN. His Majesty is certain that a letter was written 
^ by you during last night; and he knows that it has not 
^ been forwarded. This letter is not found in your table or 
g dej?k, and yet it is somewhere. 

g Anne. \_Ch'ince/lor advances] Wonld you dare lay 
g your hand upon your queen. 

§ Chan. I am a faithful servant of the king, madame, 
^ and erer^ tiling that his Majesty may order, I shall per- 
§ form. 

% Anne. Well it is true, and the spies of the Cardinal 
^ served him faithfully. 1 have written a letter today, and 
2 that letter has not gone. It is here! \_P lacing her hand 
^ upon her b s 'm,] 

I Chan. [Stepping /o?-wjrd.] Then give me the letter to. 
g day, madame. 

§ Anne. I will give it to the kirg, only, sir, 
^ Chan. If his Majesty had wished the letter to be hand- 
§ ed to him, madam, he would have demanded it himself. 
1 Anne. Well! what then? 
^ Chan. It is I whom he has ordered to take it. 

Anne. How! 

© i;han. My orders go very far, madame; and I am au- 

fthorized to seek for this suspected paper, even on the 
person of your Majesty. 

1 Anne. {Thotving up her hands.] Horrible! What do 
i I see, righteous heaven? Can I believe my eyes! The 
g king's chancellor is sent to examine my person for a pri- 
1 vate letter; my eyes are doubtless, two faithful witnesses; 
1 this is the mo^t terrible of all my great humiliations! 
i This blow completely overwhelms me ! When suspicions 



i^Vj^'/tR'ti^/J^ 



6S.- VVHKN Bi:(JKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. \ 



iMg'e;;! witliiii 



i\\ it w.is liMv^^n itsrilf v^m.^'u 'ly but oiiii- 
uously foretold me this horrible disgrace. 

(!hax. Be more calm then, madame. 

An\E. This conduct is infamous in its violence. Are 
you not aware of that, sir? 

Chan, 'i'he kin^: commands it! 1 lierefore. madame, 
excuse me. 

Anne. I will not endure it. No! no! I will die rather. 
]^[\ :u-h'iiQ she (ir.i'^'S (Ju- Icttrr fr.nii h r h '^oni ] Here, Sir, 
take the letter: take it, and free me from your odious pres- 
ence 

Chan. \^I^<^'''''' ''{I, ''('>■'' ii'<'^ tfn' ''/> f'\ t>/^r//s if and iea(hr\ 
A letter to your brother, the Knipni-or of Austria, asking 
hiui to pretend offense at th*- policy of Richelieu, whose 
constant aim is to humble the house of Austria — to de- 
claie war against France, and lay <lowu the dismissal of 
the Cardinal as a condition of peace. \^CI<>ing thr letter.^ 
The king thought the letter was to tlie Huke of Bucking- 
ham. I will take it to him to show his Majesty and the 
Cardinal they have accused you wrongfully. \^Bowiih^ ver\ 
hnv he retires.^ 

[ Exit C H A ^ CELEO.R . 

Anne. I am lost, lost! The Cardinal knows all, and 
he it is who is encouraging the king, who, as yet, is in 
ignorance, but w^ho will soon be made acquainted with the 
fact of ray disposition of the s loulder-knot. I am lost! 
irretrievably lost! My God ! what shall 1 do! \^Kneeling 
d>.wn.'\ Buckingham in England, Madame de Chevreuse 
in prison. I have been betrayed by one of the ladies of 
La Porte watched and not permitted to depart 
.'Louvre. [ Wcf^'^ing hirterly. A siite i/oo> opens 



my court, 
from the 

gently.'] 



COUN. 

Anne. 

Counttss. 
CouN. 



Entci- (he CoUNTESS LaNNOI. 
Can I be of service to your Majesty? 

\^S,u7prisca\ Utriiirig qiiic'kly.] Oh! it is you, 

Your friend and vslave. 



© 



§©©©©S©®©3©®©S©®©3:^©IIilIC^!:€€C#I^I^ 3)©®® ©©©©©© 



^ WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 69. 

g An>e. Bat I have been betrayed. 

^ CouN. There is no time to talk of the past. It is of 
^ the immediate future. 

§ Anne. Yes, the immediate future. But, I thought it 
^ was you who betrayed me! 

g CoUN, That matters not. I swear to you now that 
^ until thd shoulder- knot is restored to you 1 will be your 
friend. 

Anne. You, madame, \_/otki/?^ at the countess'] my 
friend! 

OouN Yes, I. On my soul I pity you, and my pity 
induces me to swear friendship for you. Yes, there are 
traitors here; you are surrounded by them. 

Anne. Oh! my God my God! I am surrounded by 
traitors and spies. 

C0UN. The shoulder-knot! the shoulder-knot! Your 
Majesty, we must get it at ouce^ 

Anne. Yes, but how can it be done"? 
Cjun. Some one must be sent tu the Duke. 
Anne. Folly! the ball is to be tomorrow night. Given 
soon, purposely to prevent reaching Buckingham. 
CouN. I will find a messenger! 

Anne. Impossible. You cannot lind a messenger that 
wdl travel as the wind. 

CouN. Is it not possible to have it duplicated? 
Anne, .'f it was, Louis knows too well that I would 
have it done. No, that is not true, because he has guards 
at every door. I have no communication with the outside 
world. I am a prisoner. 
CouN. What then"? 
© Anne. Nothing, but condemnation — divorce, or exile! 
© More probably the latter. 

S CouN This is awful! If either shall happen, she who 
§ was a traitor to your friendship will suffer more than you. 
® Oh, God, this is awful. \_Grgiiiiy excited^ going about hur- 
§ riediy.] My reputation, my all, is at stake! You, \_seizing 
i her hand] if you are exiled we will go together. [ Aside ] 



70. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 



I am the cause of all this misfortune. 

Anne, I see nothing but sincerity in your eyes. I 
have seen them look otherwise. 

Enter BellARIO. 

Bel. Your Highness! a card, \_openuig if. \ 

Anne. Admit him. 

E/ifcr Embassy. 

Embassy. Will your Royal Highnesfi permit a word iu 
private? 

\_Exit Bellario. 

Anne. Sure! 

Emb. [Drrwi/ig ironi hene tli his c/oak a package, reaching 
it to the qiieen.'\ Hig Grace commissioned me to safely re- 
turn to you the present you gave him in the garden of 
Amiens. Having done so, permit me to retire. yBowin^:^ 
low as he r 

Anne. \_Surp,iseii, taking it. \ Mow can retire. The 
shoulder-knot I gave Buckingham! \_0/>rnino the casket. \ 
Returns the shoulder-knot I gave. Oh! a note. [^Readi/ig 
/■/.] "Your Majesty will »-xcuse this hasty message and 
the return of the jewels you gave me. I attended a state 
ball a night this week in which I appeared with the 
shoulder-knot. I would confide to no one the care of this 
precious ornament. I was about to restore it to the cas- 
ket, when I perceived the substraction of two of the tags. 
I at first supposed that I had been the victim of a com- 
mon theft. An instant's reflection, however, convinced 
me that such was not the case, as I had upon my person 
jewels of greater value which it would have been equally 
easy to purloin, and these remained intact. A light broke 
upon me. I suspected the machinations of my old rival 
and enemy, the Cardinal- Duke. I immediately secured 
my jeweler, and he worked the remainder of the night and 
and all day, completing the number of the diamond tags. 
I forward to you by my confidential servant the jewels, 
hoping they will reach you before their absence from your 
collection may cause any misfortune to befall you. Ever 
yours, Buckingham. 



© 



1") 



g WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 7i. \ 

® . f. 

® Anne. [ Exc/z^i/ wa/i/ov.l I'm sived! Good Buck- ( 

cJ ( 

^ iugham! How opportune was the receipt of the shoulder- » 

t^ ( 

^ kuot! l^S/i^ c-c>nceals Z/iem.^ ' 

£/iZer Marie de Rohan, l. < 

© Rohan. I saw the kia<j:. His face is radiant with i 
^ . ' 

S9 smiles. I'm so glad that you have pleased him. j 

^ xlNNE. I always try to please his Majesty. j 

1 RoH. But if you fail to wear the shoulder knot on the | 
g morrow night, he will be displeased. 

^ Anne. I never intimated to him that I would not. 

g RoH. \_Sur/>r.sci/.] Ohf you can please him'? 

U Annk. Why not? 

§ RoH. It was thought you gave the jewels to his Grace, 

^ Buckingham, your lover. 

§ Anne, i/adigf/an^.l How dare you suggest that I, 

© Ann^ of Austria have a lover? 

@ RoH. Your .iajesty would be excusable in having 

@ Buckingham as a lover, the handsomest man of the day. 

© Anne. How dare you offend me! Reason your 

® thoughts ere you voice their expression. 

® RoH. Oh, you are romantic as the Duke is prodigal. 

g Anne. ^In ^ci^'^f.] I have no lover! 

§ RoH. No, I am only telling you his intentions. If I 

g were the queen of France, I'd acrept his love, Jf he says 

® he loves you, it fits your wisdom so far to believe it; he 

© may give his saying warmth. 

ea Anne. You, chosen by his Majesty as my companion, 

^ now encourage me to become the lover of Buckingham. 

^ To you may be attributed the errors and misfortunes that 

^ have caused my estrangement from the king. 

© RoH. If with too willing ear you hear his love words, 

© or your chaste heart submit to his uumastered passions, 

© you may have soon to regret the sought opportunity. 

g Anne. I fear no such weakness. 

i ^/z/^ A- Countess La NNOT. 

§ Rofl. Her Majesty accused me of being the cause of 

g her estrangement from the king. 



72. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

CouN. It is ea8y to be estranged where the passion of g 
love nev^er existed. ® 

KoH. Your Majesty should keep your affections with- g 
in your control. ^ 

Anne. But I love the king too dearly to unmask my g 
heart to the moon. ■. 

CouN. Love the kin^ less, and Buckingham more! S 
His Grace is madly in love with you, and the king cares ra 
nothing for you. Virtue itself escapes not calumny; i^ © 
penetrates cemented walls and iron gates. ^ 

Anne. \^Pra\erful attitude Aside ] Surrounded by g 
court ladies maturer in years than I, influenced by their ^ 
poisonous advice, and persecuted by the queen mother g 
and Richelieu, is it to be woudeiv^d that estrangement ex- 
ists between the king and myself! % 

OouN. But I will be your friend, and advise you to be- ^ 
ware; best safety lies in fear, § 

Anne. I now know to my sorrow how greatly my lev m 
ity has strengthened the hands of Marie de Medici, in § 
flamed the jealousy of Richelieu, and injured my own 
cause in the public mind; and this at the moment when, 
deprived of the support of Madame de Chevreuse, 1 am 
less able than ever to contend against the increasing dif- 
ficulties of my position. 

(yOUN. Marie de Medici put forth all her talent for the 
intrigue; and while she pretends great anxiety to effect a 
reconciliation between you and the king, she is doing ev- 
erything to injure you. 

Anne. You know! 

CoUN. She tells the king that you are guilty, but to 
place you in the same light that she was in at your age. 
Your position was similar to her own when the high spir- 
its and thoughtlessness incident to youth had occasionally 
caused her to excite the suspicion and displeasure of her © 
husband, Henry IV. I think it my duty to inform you 
of your danger. 

Anne. The effect of such a confession on the mind of 



g WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 73. | 

© her son needs no comment. 

© CoUN. Nor is it surprising that Louis is the more eas- 

© ily convinced of your guilt. 

© Anne. As I live, 'tis true; but why didn'l you — 

© [Exeun/ ROHAN am/ LaNNOI. 

g £nfer Bellakio. 

© Bel His Majesty returns. 

© King. My beloved queen, 1 forgot to inform you that 

© you are to enter the town-hall just as the clock in Notre- 

© Dame strikes the hour of 10 o'clock. 

i Anne. And 1 will try and look my best. 

^ King. \^ Angry ^^ If not in my eyes, it may have a 

% pleasing effect in the eyes of other gentlemen of whom you 

% have attachments. 

® Anne. Jealous again. Yet, you encourage me to ap- 

® pear often, and you seemingly make especial effort that 

@ all the gay courtiers are introduced to me; then absent 

® yourself, as though for a purpose 

® King. Yes for a purpose; to permit you to enjoy your 

1 self in a way that you do not with me. 

® Anne. What do you mean1 
@ King. You associate with the courtiers. 
® Anne. Yet, it is your choice that I do. 
1 King. I want to know your true character. 
1 Anne. How dare \_in rage'] you insinuate! you who 
have taken me as a child- wife, as a wild bird captured 
and now caged and brought through your machinations in 
contact with the most immoral men in Europe! I have 
formed platonic attachments, however, with no intention 
of doing wrong. \^Droppifig on her knees ticking his hands tn 
an implonm: ivay. ] But I am today pure as an angel and 
guilty of no sin. 

Enfer RlCHELlEU. 
Rich. A full confession is good for the soul! 
Anne. What do you mean? [^Rising quickly.'] You, 
Cardinal- Duke, my father in religion, but a licentious 
hypocrite in practice 



74. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

Rich. Licentious hypocrite! do yoa say? 

Anne. Liceatiotis hypocrite, I said! this is the first 
time you come into my private apartments when the king's 
here. On other occasions you walked in without the 
formality of an announcement Your garb of religious 
hypocris}^ that so lightly weighs on your shoulders is al- 
ways used as an excuse; but ere you leave, his satanic 
majesty in some way appears. Thrice have I driven you 
from this room, as I would any other libertine. Do you 
deny it, good Cardinal? 

Rich. [7?^//'///^.] Because I failed to make a religious 
impression. 

Anne. Such a religious impression that if practiced 
would pave the way to hell. {^Standing, pointing at the re- 
tiriuQ Cardifial . ] 

lExit Richelieu to l. 

CURTAIN. 



Act V. 
* 

Scene I. Reception room leadiw^ to the town hall ball room^ 

Louis XIII and Rirhelieu discovered. 

King. You feel that you have everything ready now 
to prove the queen's guilt? 

Rich. Your Majesty has requested the queen to wear 
the shoulder-knot at this ball. She will appear without 
it. When you confront her with the accusation that she 
gave the diamonds to Buckingham, in self-respect she will 
be forced to deny the charge. You then musfc publicly 
accuse her, and call upon the Countess of Lannoi, who has 
charge of her jewels, and she will publicly proclaim that 
the queen gave them to Buckingham in the garden in 
Amiens. I will then step forward and submit two of the 
diamonds and explain to the public how I secured them. 
S ^«/^?' Countess Lannoi- \ 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 75. 

- ■ ■ - ■ 

g King. Have you iustracted the Oouuteas the part she 
I is to take? 
I KiCH. Yes, your Majesty. 

CoUN. All day she has been rehearsing with me, 
preparing for tonight's (Jrama, 

KiCH. What will be your action when we prove her 
guilt! 

King. A divorce at once, 

CoUN. Good, your Majesty, and then marry some 
woman of your own country. 

KicH. What did the queen say when you requested her 
to wear the diamonds tonight? 

King. \^Sur/)nse(/; arLa/ig quickU.^ I gave her the or- 
der, but^ — 

Rich. [^ Anxious^ And what did she say! 
^-^fiirG. 8he replied simply and calmly that she would 
obey. 

^liW>-^E^}:iiedlh^ But she can't. \^Looking in the 
car^]tet\%. haYe two tags here. Was she agitated v/hen 
you asked her to wear the shoulder knot? 

King. Not in the least. ..^^^^. 

Rich. The invitation you sent' Buckingham is signed 
by Anne of Au8t:ia? 

King. True. I want to deceive him into the belief 
that Anne of Austria was the sole cause of his invitation. 
To better enable him to make a clandestine meeting I shall 
give them full sway. 

Rich. \Rubbing his hajuis,^ Your Majesty is so wise! 
I could not do better myself. 

'King. I have stopped all communication from the 
queen. 

Rich. But may not Buckingham arrive earlier than 
expected?. ; 

King. Impossible. He will not enter the city until 
tho Notre-Dame clock is striking the hour of ten. At 
that very moment Ann* of Austria will be entering this 
hall. 



76. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEBX. 

RiOH. You have invited his Grace to c©me to the ball! 

King. Truly, he was in skip at Havre and I earnestly 
expressed mj regrets that he did not have more timely 
notice, also informing him that it was an event that could 
not be postjponed. 

Ente, Earl ^/ Kingston. 

Rich. I am pleased to again meet you. {extending his 
hiind.^ 

Barl. [Bowing to rhe king. ^ And your Majesty. Be- 
lieve me, I am most happy to have had the pleasure while 
in your city to aocept your invitation to this grand ball. 
Believe me your Majesty I became very interested in that 
little Chappie, [iaugning] the equerry to her Majesty. 

King. Strange ! 

Rich. No not strange! [Fery grim ] Not strange 
where a fellow feeling exist. 

Earl. What! is that I hear! A fellow feeling be- 
tween an English Earl and a French equerry. Did you 
ever! 

King. Yair did uot understand his Eminence. 

Earl, I mu^ hav» been mistaken. Oh! I am in 
hopes her Highness is enjoying good health. 

King. Excellent, She will enter the hall at ten 
o'clock* ♦^ 

Earl* It w ill make Hie happjr to again see her. 

[£xit Earl. 

Kt^g. That Earl is a fool. He will faint when I wiU 
kill his master. 

Rich. Kill the Duke! KilJ ttte prime minister of 
Charles I., while on a visit at your request! Think, sire, 
what a c<>m motion! and then, what a horrible scandal. 
England would rightfully declare war immediately. 

King. But if the Duke is found under some disguise 
entering the palace? 

Rich. That is a different thing. Then treat him as a 
thief, the despoiler of your domesti« happiness. 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM xMET THE QUEEN. 77. 

- 
§ King. If he comes to the ball tonight I will publicly 
I accuse him of stealing from me the queen's affections! 
^ and — 
I Rich. Stop Louis! He ought— 

King. Nothing but public retribution will suffice me. 

Rich. Never, sire! 

[ T/i^ distant stnki/ii^ of the cathedral cIol]{ pnclcwis the tenth 
stroke. ] 

Enter wh 4e CoMpany. 
Bel. The queen. 

Voices. The queen! L)iig live th^ quiea! ! 

\^M'j,u2,ci ^riril march, and ex: er-y eye is at once 
turned toward the door. The queen enters on the 
arm of Duke Eellegrade, wearing a Spanish cos- 
tume—a rote of green satin, curiously embroidered 
with gold and silver; having hanging sleeves, 
looped hack with large rubies, serving as buttons- 
Her ruff is open and displays her bosom. Upon 
her head she wears a small cip of green velvet, 
surmounted by a heron's ''eather, while from her 
white shoulder depends graie^uHy the shoulder- 
knot with its twdve diamond tags] 

[ The king appro lehes the q tee . ] 

King. \_Taking Iter hmd. Madame, you deserve my 
love. Your brilliant appearance is a compliment both to 
myself and the magistrates. The shoulder- knot is beauti- 
ful. 

Anne. I must again congratulate your Majesty on 
your artistic taste and wise selection. 

Rich. [^A pace behind the ki-i^., quivenn^ ivith rage. \ T — 
\^aside] — there must be two diamonds missing, for I have 
two in my hand. I shall yet triumph over this proud, 
insolent beauty. She may laugh my passion to scorn, 
and make me a mark for the ridicule of her associates, but 
she cannot get these diamonds. 

COUN. [ Walking i^y the queen, counts the tags; she then 
walh to Riehelieu in barhed voice.'] The diamonds are all 



'8. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 



there. ^ @ 

Ktng. Madame I am pleased to see you look so beau- | 
tiful. The diamoud shoulder-kuot shows elegantly. § 

Anne. It makes me happy to know that your Majesty | 
is i)leased. @ 

EliCH. \ Approaching i}ie king, gives hifn a stnoI/ box.^ ®. 
Take this, your Majesty. @ 

Ktng. [I// ul /emper.] What does this mear! | 

ErcH. Nothing, only count the diamonds in her Maj- 1 
esty's shoulder-knot. You will hnd but \_satanic sW^] ten. | 
Ask her Majesty who have robbed her of thes^ two. S 

King. [Aoain approaching Ihe queen. ^ I thank you, mad- S 
ame, for the deference you have paid to my wishes, but I 1 
believe you have lost two diamonds, and I bring them to ® 
you. [ Offering her the two di'inionds.'] g 

Anne. What sire, do you give me two morel why | 
that will make me have fourteen. s 

King. N©, I but restore the two stolen diamonds. § 

Anne. Stolen! I had no diamonds stolen. Who is 1 
your informant? « 

King. Permit me to count. \_Counttng,~\ Sure, you i 
have twelre. \^Ciirainal approaches.'] What does this mean! g 
[Addressing the Cardinal.] © 

EiCH. It means, sire that I wished her Majesty to ao I 
c«pt these diamonds. § 

Anne. And I am the more grateful to your Eminence 1 
as I am certain that thes*^ two diamonds cost you more g 
I than the other twelve cost his Majesty. [Low courtesy to § 
' the king and Cardinal; she retires. J g 

' Rich. [Aside.] I shall not be duped out of the belief t 
[ that I have two of the diamonds. | 

I Enter DoNA; .^he meets the QUEEN. 1 

I [ The King walks to the Cardinal. ] ^ 

] King. Outwitted, Cardinal, outwitted! ^ ® 

[ EiOH. If this is true, it will cost Buckingham's life. | 

\ Don. [Aside to the Queen] Beware! I overheard the ® 
I king tell Eichelieu that in your name tbe Duke of Buck- | 



g WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 79. 



I inghain has been invired here to-night; that he will enter s 

I Paris the moment y(;u entered this hail. He will be here l 

^ within an hour. I 

g Anne. Great heavens! What does this mean^ [Quern I 

g standing on extreme K ] \ 

I Don. That you and his Grace shall be publieally humil- | 

g iated; and the Duke's body is to be run through by a \ 

^ sharp sword in the hauds of the king. \ 

^ Anne, Whither have they taken him? | 

^ Don. To the Luxemburg. \ 

^ Anne. Then fly to the Duchess and tell her to go to his \ 

>^ Grace and inform him of hig danger, and direct her to \ 

§ bring Buckingham to the dark room in the Lovre at 2 ^ 

§ o'clock in the morning and I will meet him. Be quick! \ 

^ Lose no time! \ 

^ Don. But may I not ask the Earl of Kingston to accom- \ 

^ pany me? \ 

i Anne. No, that fool would scop on the street corner to e 

© speak his wit to the first straneer he'd meet. \ 

1 Don. But your Majesty, should I be arrested on the \ 

® street, his Grace will lose his life. \ 

g Anne. It's a case of life or death. Fly! [Grasping ^ 

® Dona forcibly b\ the wrist ] Breathe not a word to a living ^ 

§ soul the secret of your mission! Take this [a ring pom \ 

g her finger and putting it on Dona' s finger ^^^ This is the roval \ 

® signet ring; present it to every guard you meet; all ways \ 

® will be open to you, and all doors will stand ajar. \ 

g Don. I am capable of filling any secret trust confided \ 

g to me by your highness. \ 

g Anne. Hold! Bring the Earl of Kingston to me. \ 

© Enter ^k.'&.l. OF KINGSTON aWldADAM DE ROHAN. L. ^ 

© RoH. ^ou are not the only Englishman who is in love S 

^ with our beautiful Queen. \ 

1 Earl. I never had an opportunity to say anything \ 

§ particularly nice to her Majesty. Because that Chappie \ 

© Bellaris was always been watching me. [The Queen re- t 

^ mains standing^ holding Dona by by the wrist^ looking over her \ 



80. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

shoulder at the Earl and Rohan as they enter. ] g 

Eael. The hidden feelings of my heart are regulated | 

by choice. ® 

RoH. And that choice! | 

Earl. Anne of Austria! § 
RoH. If aught but merit could gain her heart, the man 

is yet to be named. @ 

Earl. But these chains, matrimonial chaius — m 

RoH. Hush! Not so loud. The King is near. % 

Earl. I never court obscurity in things which require @ 

light. My miiul soars too high to concetl my feelings § 

when my heart asks to declare them. ^ 

[£'x// Rohan. 1 

Dona. \To the Earl., placing her hand on his arm, '\ Seal ' 

your lips, be not startled at what I will tell you! k 

Earl. What, seal the lips of a jester? ^ 

Dona. Thus far you have played the part of a fool g 

well. But now is the time for duty. ^ 

Earl. Well, madame, what will you have me do? \ 

Don. [//z low voice ^ Solve a great problem. g 

Earl. \^Laughing.'\ A great problem. Better you § 

give it to the great clock in Notre-Dame and let the hands ^ 

work it out. § 

Don. Sir, you are a fool. No time is to be lost; come, g 

and her Royal Highness will tell you what she will have § 

you do. § 

[ The Earl and Dona walks to the queen. 1 

Eari- \_CourtesYi?ig.^ I am subject to your Majesty's g 

command. g 

\_Dona retires, g 

ANNE, Manifest no surprise at what I am going to re- | 

late. Nerve yourself. I have just been informed that the g 

Duke of Buckingham is to be murdered in this hall to- i 

night by the king of France ! | 

Earl. Heavens! 1 

Anne. Place smiles on your face. Did I not com- ® 

mand you! 1 



g WHEN BUCKmOHAM MET THE QUEEN. 81. 

g Earl What will I do to save him? 

^ Anne Dona has instructious. Return and talk to 

^ Madame de Rohan, on the same line of conversation you 

^ were engaged. When Dona quits the room follow her. 

® If you can hnd an early opportunity go and she will fol- 

§ low. In any event, you must be gone in ten minutes. 

^ Eakl. J will return to Madame de Rohan. 

© \_Dona returns to the queen. 1^ 

g Don. Most gracious Earl, meet me in the rear of the 

g hall at once. Once in the street, we will tiy as the winds! 

^ \_Exeunt, 

I RoH Your love for her Majesty has moved my sym- 
I pathy for you; I see an excess of love in all your actions 
^ and your malady deserves to be pitied.- 
^ Earl. Since [ am not accountable for my faults, some 
I indulgence ought to be allowed me. You will then con- 
vey to the queen my desires? 

RoH. I will. But here comes the queen. 

\_Exit Karl. 

Anne. [AsiWe.^ I must find an excuse to return to the 
palace. I have it I will at first opportunity do the 
womanly act, faint, and in my swoon ask to be carried 
back to the palace. 

CouN. Your Majesty, did I hear you say you wanted 
to return to the palace? 

Anne. I did say so, I am not feeling well. 
ENter the KiNG. 

Q King. I perceive, madams, that my coming is some- 

§ what unseasonable and disturbs your conversation. \^Ex- 

§ lending her hand to the kin^.^ 1 must needs say I did not 

I expect to find you feeling so ill. It is possible you ex- 

§ pected to see some one you have Dot yet seen. 

® Anne. Such a suspicion is folly! Harbor no such 
© thoughts. Sire, my trouble is different. I feel a swim- 
^ ming in my head, the room is becoming dark, catch me 



1 ®©©©®®@©®©©©©®©©®®©®®®©©©@@©®®©©S®©©©@©©©©®®©©G 
j 82. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. I 

j for I am going to fall. f S/ie fai/i/s. She falls into the arms \ 
' of the Coti litems. ^ \ 

' CUKTAIN. \ 



\ ^"-^ VL ' I 

\ Scene II. Smalls dark room\ double curtains in rear of % 

\ room. A table, on which is a small nigJit lamp. g 

I [Enter the Duke of Buckiugliam and the Duchess de CheTreuse. ® 

3 The Di^ke is dressed as a French musketeer. The Duchess is in ^ 

\ the costume of a French peasant ivomau, with a dark sluuvl on ^ 

J - her head.~\ § 
) DucH. Remain here, my Lord Duke; some one will 

) come immediately, a 

i [i5"A7/ Duchess. % 

j Buc. [^Approaching a mirror, '\ The dress of a musketeer g 

j becomes me wonderfully. Alone in a small room in a g 

I great palace, I don't know whether I am above or below © 

j ground. I know that when once inside the court, the ^ 

I Duchess kept by the [brushing his hair'] side of a wall for ® 

\ about twenty paces; at the end of the hall she tried a small ^ 

I private door. The door opened, and we entered and found § 

I ourselves in total darkness; but she seemed well acquaint- g 

I ed with all the turnings and twistings of this part of the g 

\ Louvre, which she said is appropriated to the royal suite, g 

^ She shut all the doors behind us, taking me by the hand © 

\ and leading me as she would a child. George Villiers, ^ 

\ Duke of Buckingham, has been accustomed to lead the g 

^ ladies by the hand. [His hand to his forehead.] I believe ^ 

\ we ascended a stairon tip-toe; two flights of stairs; we then | 

\ turned to the left, went through a long corridor, descended ^ 

\ another stair, walked a few steps forward, introduced a § 

^ key into a lock, opened the -door, and here 1 am. [L>w ^ 

\ laugh.] It is impossible for me to escape. I could not g 

\ find my way out if I had a lamj); but the d ors are all g 

^ locked and I have no keys. The Duchess informs me that 1 
3©©®@®©®®©®®©©©®©^S©II#M#M#M#I^S§®®®®®®®®©©©©®©©©©®g1 



I WHEN BUCKINGHAM xMET THE QUEEN. 83. | 

® & 

g the pretended message of Aone of Austria, on the faith of s 

^ which I came from my ship is a snare, set by Richelieu | 

§ and the king; and I am not sure but the bringing of me | 

® into this room is another snare, | Drawing his sivoni.'] I | 

§ swear that I can kill all that comes, let it be who it may. ^ 

§ Yes, George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, may die right \ 

@ here.' 1 now believe [ shall, becaase if Anne of Austria ^ 

§ has sent for me to meet her here she would have kept her \ 

1 word. \ 

@ \_The curtain opens; he sees the queen s reflcaion in the glass \ 

@ turning guukh.^ \ 

^ Enter Anne o^ Aiistria ill a simple rol)e of white satin ^ accom- \ 

@ t>anieii by the Countess of Lnnnoi. i 

1 Anne. Aane of Austria always keeps her word. \_Aii- ^ 

© vances two steps P^ \ 

Hd Bug \^The Duke attranees, sinks on one knee, and kisses the I 

^ hem of her robe. '\ Your majesty ! \ 

© Anne. My lord, you already know that it was not I \ 

^ that sent for yon. \ 

g Bu(l Yes, r know it. I know it because— yes, be- \ 

% cause 7v'our Majesty so informs me! I know that I have \ 

g been a fool, a madman, to be'lirve that it rains when the ^ 

^ mercury is below zero, that marble statues speak when \ 

g spoken to, but what do you expect? That I should not ^ 

^ come, when I receive a letter signed by Anne of A ust.iia, \ 

^ having affixed thereto the seal of the royal court! Would \ 

§ you have me believe that my journey has been in vain, ^ 

i since I have met you? | 

g Anne. Yes, but you know why, and how, I see you. \ 

© I see you out of compassion to yourself; I see you because, \ 

© insensible to all my distress, you persist in seeing me, \ 

© Believe me, you have not been invited here for any good \ 

g purpose; in a city where, b> remaining, you risk your own \ 

^ life and my honor. I see you to tell you that everything \ 

© separates us — the depths of the sea, the enmity of nations, \ 

g the sanctity of oaths. It is sacrilege to struggle against \ 



84. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. | 

snch things. And, lastly, I see you to tell you that I must g 

never see you more. g 

Bug. The softness of your voice repays the sternness § 

of your words. You speak of sacrileoe; but the sacrilege S 

is in the separation of hearts, which God has formed for § 

one another. ® 

Anne. You forget tliat I never said I loved jou. § 

Bug. \^0n one knee, '\ But neither have you said that § 

you did not love me; and indeed to say so would be a i 

proof of the greatest ingratitude on the part of your Maj- ® 

esty. Would you destroy a love which neither time nor S 

absence can overcome? I have loved you as no on** can ® 

tell, since I first saw you. w ith closed eyes I can see you a 

as I saw you the first time; seated in Spanish manner, ® 

upon cushions, wearing a dress of green satin, embroid- S 

ered in silver and in gold with falling sleeves fastened ® 

around your beautiful arms by large rubies used as but- § 

tOHS. You also wore a close ruff, and a small hat, of the ® 

same color as your dress and adorned with a heron's i 

plume, upon your head. Oh! thus, thus, with closed eyes ^ 

do I behold you as you then were; and \ open my eyes % 

again, only to see you now, a hundred times more lovely! ® 

Anne. W^hat folly, to nourish so useless a passion on g 

such memories as these! ^ 

Bug. Alas! wh.it would your Majesty expect? I have g 

nothing but these memories; they are my happiness, my g 

treasures, and my hope. E^ach time that I behold you, is g 

a new jewel that I enshrine within the casket of my heart. |^ 

This is the sixth of such jewels that you have let fall and ^ 

that I have eagerly secured. Yes, your Majesty, I have ^ 

seen you only six times; the first I have recalled to you; % 

the second when I aj^peared as a monk; the third was at g 

Madame de Chevreuse's; the fourth was in the garden of ^ 

Amiens; the fifth when 1 appeared as the Wnite Lady. ^ 

Anne. Kindly do not refer to the garden of Amiens 1 

Bug. Oh! rather let me dwell upon it, for it is the one ® 

beaming, blissful night of my existence! Does your Maj- 1 



g WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 85. 

© . 5 

g I 

® esty remember how lovely a uighc it was'? The air was s 

^ laden with sweetuess, and the blue sky was studded with ^ 
§ iuuumerable stars. Ah! Madaiue, I was alone with you 5 
^ for au instant then and y©u were about to make me the 
^ contidante of your griefs — of the isolation of your life, and 
§ the deep sorrows of your heart. You were leaning on my 
g arm — on this one, madame, and, when I leant my head 
^ toward you, 1 felt my cheek gently touched by your beau- 
^ tiful hair; I trembled thiough every vein. Oh! your Maj- 
§ esty! you know not the bliss which 1 experienced in that 
^ moment. Fortune, glory, life, gladly would I give them \ 
§ all for another interview like that on such a night; for I I 
g will swear that then, at least that night, you loved me. 
1 Anne. It is possible tliat the influence of the place, the 
® charm of that enchanting evening, the fascination of your i 
§ looks, and the thousand circumstances which sometimes i 
§ occur in leading a woman onward to her ruin, may have i 
§ grouped themselves around me on t lat fatal night; but i 
® you are not ignorant, my lord, that I gave succor to the i 
§ weakness of the woman, and that at the first word that you ' 
§ presumed to say, at the first freedom that you dared take, i 
© I summoned others to my presence! i 

Buc. It is but too true, fciud any feebler love than mine 
would never have survived the test; but my love came i 
from it more ardent, and more immortal. Y©u thought to i 
escape from me by returning to Paris. In one week, 1 was i 
on my return here. On that occasion you had nothing to i 
© complain of. 1 had risked favor and life to see you for a i 
@ single second; I did not even touch your hand, and you 
@ forgave me when you found I was submissive and repeut- 
§ ant. 

© Anne. But you are well aware that calumny fastened 
® upon even those follies in which I had no small share. 
i Prompted by the Cardinal, the king's resentment was ex- 
® treme. Madame de Vernay was dismissed; Bellario was | 
© banished; and Madame de Chevreuse was disgraced by 
§ imprisonment. 



S6. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

Buc. If I cannot see yoa a^.iin, I will take care that 
you shall continually hear of me. I am well enough 
aware that I have no chance of reaching Paris at the head 
of an army; but then, this war must bring about peace; 
peace will require negotiations; and these negotiations 
shall be made by none but me. I shall return to Paris, 
and behold you once again, and be, for an instant, happy. 
It is but too true that my enjoyment will have been bought 
oy the blood of thousands of mankind; but what will their 
lives be to me, provided that my eyes are blest once more 
by seeing you! This may be folly — perhaps madness; 
but tell me pray, had ever woman more inipassioneo lover, 
had ever a queen a more enthusiastic servant*? 

Anne. The witnesses you call for your defense accuse 
me. These very proofs, that you would give me of your 
love, are themselves almost crimes! 

Buc. But only because you do not love me. You 
spoke, madame, of Madame de Chevreuse; but, oh! how 
much less cruel was that lady than you are! Lord Hol- 
land loved her, and she smiled upon his love. 

Anne. Madame de Chevreuse is not a queen. 

Buc. And would you, then, love me if you were not a 
queen"? Oh! tell me, madame! say that you would love 
me! Let me believe that it is but the dignity of your 
rank that has made y©u thus merciless to me! Let me 
believe that if you had been Madame de Chevreuse there 
might have been hope for the unhappy Buckingham!! 
Oh! charming queen! thanks for the sweet words, a thou 
sand thanks! 

Anne. You misunderstood me; I did not mean to say — 

Buc. Hush ! be aot so cruel as to correct an error that 
is so full of happiness to me! 

A^NE. Oh, God! 

Buc. I did not tell you this to alarm your Majesty. 
But the words which you have just uttered, the hope which 
you almost gave me, would be a recompense for every- 



WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 87. 



g thing, even for life. 

^ x\NNE. I dreamed that I saw you stretched upon the 
I earth, all bloody from a wound. 

§ Buc. On the left side, aud inflicted by a knife, was it 
not? 

Anne. Yes, it was on the left side, and by a knife. 
But who could have told you of my dreami I had such a 
dream. I have never spoken of it but in my prayers to 
God, 

Buc. I v/ould not covet more. And you love me! you 
love me! 

Annr. I, love you? 

Buc. Yes, you! Would God send to you the same 
dreams as to me, if you did not love me? Should we be 
visited by the same presentiments if our two existences 
were not united by the same heart? 

Anne. Oh, my God! this is more than I can bear! In 
the name of heaven, withdraw! I know not whether I 
love you or not; but this I know, that I will break my 
vow. Oh! if you should be wounded in France — if you 
should die in Prance — if I conld imagine that your love 
for me had caused your death, I should never be corisoled. 
The thought maddens me! Depart, then; depart, I be- 
seech you. 

Buc. Oh! how beautiful you are now! I love you. 

Anne. Depart, I implore you, and return hereafter. 
Come back as an ambassador; as a minister, come back, 
surrounded by your guards who will defend you, and your 
servants who will wateh you, and then I shall have no 
fear for your life, and I shall have some happiness in see- 
ing you. 

Buc. Oh, but is it really true, what you now tell me? 

Anne. Yes. 

Buc. Your hand, aud I leave you. 

Anne [^Closm^ her eyes, leaning on the Countess Lannoi^ 
she extends her hanii.~\ 



88. WHEN BUCKINGHAM MET THE QUEEN. 

Bug. \^ Buckingham passionafelv kisses her hand^ and then 
arises.^ Before six months have passed, if I be Dot dead, 
I will see you again, if I must disturb the world to accom- 
plish it. 

Anne. No, never! Duty predominates over love! 

Enter the DUCHESS DE ChRVREUSE. 

DucH. (vome. your Grace, quick! we have but a mo- 
ment to escape from the palace. 

lExnint the DUKR and the D ITCH ESS hand in hand. 

\_Anne of Austria niaintai/is he/ rigid position^ with closed eyes ^ 
leanif/o on the Countess Lannoi. ] 

CURTAIN. 




gS©li#Ii^MC^SC^SSi 



-re. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




